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

Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23, slotted two conversions and a penalty as his side crossed five times in total in rainy conditions in Cape Town as they bounced back from last Sunday's 61-10 thumping at Harlequins.

From Barron's

In a stale and largely uneventful affair in Morocco, it was Sadio Mane's thumping effort 12 minutes from time that was enough to secure Senegal's place in Sunday's final.

From BBC

What I really wanted to do was thump her on the back and celebrate.

From Literature

The hosts completed a five-wicket win at the Sydney Cricket Ground after lunch on day five for a thumping 4-1 series victory, retaining the famous urn for at least another 18 months.

From Barron's

In what was supposed to be England's big opportunity to finally win the Ashes down under, they have been thumped by an Australia team with a reserve bowling attack.

From BBC

Related Words

• thud