thump

American  

[thuhmp] / θʌmp /

noun

1. a blow with something thick and heavy, producing a dull sound; a heavy knock.

2. the sound made by or as if by such a blow.

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verb (used with object)

1. to strike or beat with something thick and heavy, so as to produce a dull sound; pound.

2. (of an object) to strike against (something) heavily and noisily.

3. Informal. to thrash severely.

verb (used without object)

1. to strike, beat, or fall heavily, with a dull sound.

2. to walk with heavy steps; pound.

3. to palpitate or beat violently, as the heart.

thump British  

/ θʌmp /

noun

1. the sound of a heavy solid body hitting or pounding a comparatively soft surface

2. a heavy blow with the hand

   he gave me a thump on the back

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verb

1. (tr) to strike or beat heavily; pound

2. (intr) to throb, beat, or pound violently

   his heart thumped with excitement

Other Word Forms

• thumper noun
• unthumped adjective

Etymology

Origin of thump

First recorded in 1530–40; imitative

Example Sentences

It will feel a long break for Newcastle fans though as they have no chance of rebounding quickly from that derby day misery and Champions League thumping by Barcelona.

From BBC

It has been a March Madness of the haves mercilessly thumping the have-nots.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Garden has roared anew as St. John’s has surged to relevance with a pair of Big East tournament championships, the most recent of which involved a 20-point thumping of Connecticut.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tudor has earned just one point from his five league games - including a 4-1 thumping by Arsenal - as well as being dumped out of the Champions League following the chaotic first leg at Atletico Madrid.

From BBC

As the sun faded, the square thumped with screams of the crowd.

From BBC

Related Words

• thud