crump

American  

[kruhmp, kroomp] / krʌmp, krʊmp /

verb (used with object)

1. to crunch or make a crunching sound, as with the teeth.

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verb (used without object)

1. (of an artillery shell) to land and explode with a heavy, muffled sound.

2. to make a crunching sound, as in walking over snow, or as snow when trodden on.

noun

1. a crunching sound.

2. a large explosive shell or bomb.

3. Also called bump.  Mining. a sudden ground movement in underground workings.

crump British  

/ krʌmp /

verb

1. (intr) to thud or explode with a loud dull sound

2. (tr) to bombard with heavy shells

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noun

1. a crunching, thudding, or exploding noise

Etymology

Origin of crump

First recorded in 1640–50; imitative

Example Sentences

Ghost doesn't flinch at the crump of a shell landing nearby.

From BBC

We hear the drills and the crump of the digger.

From BBC

The mortar shell was in the air for what felt like a minute before it hit the ground with a distant crump.

From New York Times

Karl and I each play a “crump” – where you put an elbow or fist low down on the keyboard.

From The Guardian

Uy couldn’t predict which residents at Renaissance Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center would be fine and which would “crump,” or go into rapid respiratory failure.

From Washington Times