thump

Everyday

1. To thump means to hit something hard, usually with your fist, making a dull, heavy sound. tree →
2. A thump is a hit like that, or a heavy, dull sound, like something falling. tree →
3. Your heart thumps when it beats fast and hard. tree →

In the lessons

In stories a thump is a sound effect (a bag landing, footsteps upstairs) or shows fear when a heart thumps. In behaviour lessons thumping someone is hitting and is not allowed. Phrases: «land with a thump», «thump on the door», «heart thumping».

Examples

• The bag fell to the floor with a thump. tree →
• Someone thumped on the door. tree →
• My heart was thumping before the race. tree →
• Don't thump your brother! tree →
• We heard a thump from upstairs. tree →
• He thumped the table in anger. tree →
• The apple landed with a thump on the grass. tree →
• The little elf could not go to sleep, it thumped so loudly. tree →

Note

Regular verb. A thump is duller and heavier than a tap or knock. Adjective «thumping» can mean very big in British speech («a thumping win»). Hitting people is never okay; use words or get help.