thump

[thuhmp]

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.

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

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of thump¹

First recorded in 1530–40; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of thump¹

C16: related to Icelandic, Swedish dialect dumpa to thump; see _thud , _bump

Example Sentences

On the other end of the spectrum, a lack of thump could be cause for concern for the squad with MLB’s best record.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In Bangladesh, Ms. Hasina returned to power with a thumping parliamentary majority.

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UCLA, Berkeley and California’s other public universities can tell you what it feels like to get thumped with it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They thumped Argentina 67-30 in the reverse fixture in Durban last Saturday and with the tight turnaround in matches the Pumas have decided to play their home match in London.

Read more on BBC

The hangover from the last election was always going to be nasty after a proper thumping, 14 years in power, and, oh yes, those five prime ministers.

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Related Words

• thud