stump
UK: stʌmp | US: stʌmp
n. the remaining base of a tree after the trunk has been cut down
n. a short, thick remnant of something (e.g., a pencil stump)
vt. to baffle or confuse someone (e.g., "The question stumped him.")
vi. to walk heavily or clumsily
The word "stump" originates from Middle English stumpe, derived from Old Norse stumpr (meaning "stump" or "blunt"). It is related to Proto-Germanic stumpaz, reflecting the idea of something cut short or remaining after removal. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe remnants of objects (e.g., pencil stumps) and the act of baffling someone (as if "cutting off" their understanding). The verb sense of walking heavily likely imitates the sound of stomping on a solid object like a tree stump.
The old tree stump in the yard was used as a seat.
He chewed on the pencil stump absentmindedly.
The riddle stumped even the brightest students.
She stumped across the room in her heavy boots.
After the storm, only stumps remained of the once-tall pines.