thump

UK: θʌmp | US: θʌmp

Definition
  1. n. a dull, heavy sound, such as that made by a blow or fall

  2. vt. to hit or strike something heavily, producing a dull sound

  3. vi. to make a dull, heavy sound, like a heartbeat or footsteps

Structure

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Etymology

"Thump" is an imitative word, originating in Middle English (around the 14th century) to mimic the sound of a blunt impact or heavy fall. Its spelling and pronunciation directly echo the dull, resonant noise it describes, aligning with similar onomatopoeic words like "bump" or "clump." No clear morphemic division exists, as it evolved purely from sound symbolism.

Examples
  1. The book fell to the floor with a loud thump.

  2. She thumped the table angrily to emphasize her point.

  3. His heart began to thump wildly as he approached the stage.

  4. The boxer thumped his opponent with a powerful right hook.

  5. We heard the thump of footsteps coming down the stairs.