Punch a friend (5)
I believe the answer is:
china
'friend' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'punch a' is the wordplay.
'punch' becomes 'chin' (slang term meaning to punch someone on the chin**).
'chin'+'a'='CHINA'
(Other definitions for china that I've seen before include "Delicate porcelain form Orient?" , "porcelain cups?" , "Beijing's country" , "Fine white ceramic" , "Ceramic ware" .)