bump

Definition

  • noun: a relatively abrupt convexity or protuberance on a surface
  • verb: to hit (something, such as part of your body) against an object in a sudden and forceful way
  • verb: to strike or knock with force or violence
  • often used figuratively in U.S. English
  • synonyms: thump, protuberance, boom

Examples

  • The flight was overbooked, and I was the first to 'be bumped'. [=my seat on the flight was the first seat to be given to someone else]

  • His career hit a 'bump' in the road. = His career hit a road 'bump'. [=something happened that slowed the progress of his career]

  • The airplane landed 'with a bump'. [=the airplane went up again and then down when it hit the ground]

Movie quotes

  • (..) The Avatar Program is a bad joke. Bunch of limp-dick science majors. However, it does present an opportunity both timely and unique. A recon gyrene in an avatar body. That's a potent mix. Give me the goose bumps. Such a Marine could provide the intel I need, right on the ground. (..)
    2009 Avatar