WordGarden.iostomp
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈɒmp/
US
- /ˈstɑmp/
Meanings
Verb
to walk or step with heavy, forceful, noisy steps
to crush, trample, or put out something with the foot
to defeat an opponent very easily or decisively
Noun
a heavy forceful step or the sound it makes
Beyond the definition
Imagine a toddler throwing a tantrum; they might stomp their feet. To stomp means to walk or step with heavy, forceful steps. It is more than just walking; it suggests force, noise, and strong feeling. You can stomp on something, like a bug, stomp through thick mud, or even stomp out a campfire to put it out fully. Think of a frustrated character in a movie stomping away after an argument. It is a clear way to show anger, impatience, or determination.
To stomp is to tread heavily and forcefully with the feet. It is more than simple movement; it often shows emotion and intent. The word is closely related to "stamp" and describes the act of pressing or crushing something underfoot. Think of grapes being stomped to make wine or someone using their weight to press down with a foot. That sense of force stays at the heart of the word today.
We often use "stomp" to describe energetic and rhythmic movement. A band might play a song with a catchy "stomp-clap" beat to get the crowd moving, or you might find yourself stomping through puddles just for the splash. At the same time, stomping is often a sign of anger or frustration. Someone who is upset might stomp a foot in a huff or stomp out of a room to show displeasure. Figuratively, the word can also suggest dominance or careless harm. You can "stomp on" someone's dreams or "stomp all over" their feelings, meaning to treat them with little respect. Whether it is a playful dance, an angry exit, or a literal act of crushing, stomp is a word full of force, energy, and impact.
Examples
- 1
Child movement
The little boy stomped through the puddles on his way home.
- 2
Angry gesture
She stomped her foot and said it wasn't fair.
- 3
Angry departure
He stomped out of the meeting when they rejected his idea.
- Phrasestomp out
leave in an angry way
- 4
Physical warning
Be careful not to stomp on the cable.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Figurative harm
Critics said the new law stomps on basic freedoms.
- Patternstomp on + right/freedom
ignore it or treat it badly
- 6
Music rhythm
The crowd was stomping and clapping to the beat.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- stompnounverb
Forms
- stomping-ing formverbnoun
- stompedpast tenseverbnoun
- stompspluralnounverb