subdict-logo

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

  • (..) Ohhh. Simba, wait up! It's awful, isn't it? I didn't want to believe you. What made you come back? I finally got some sense knocked into me. And I've got the bump to prove it. Besides, this is my kingdom. If I don't fight for it, who will? I will. It's going to be dangerous. (..)
    1994 The Lion King