pump [pumppumpspumpedpumping] noun, verb BrE [pʌmp] NAmE [pʌmp] noun 1. a machine that is used to force liquid, gas or air into or out of sth •She washed her face at the pump in front of the inn. • (BrE)a petrol pump • (NAmE)a gas pump •a foot/hand pump (= that you work by using your foot or hand) •a bicycle pump see also ↑stomach pump 2. (BrE) = ↑plimsoll 3. (especially NAmE) (BrE ˈcourt shoe)a woman's formal shoe that is plain and does not cover the top part of the foot 4. (BrE)a woman's light soft flat shoe worn for dancing or exercise; a similar style of shoe worn as a fashion item •ballet pumps see all hands to the pump at ↑handn., prime the pump at ↑primev.
verb 1. transitive, intransitive to make water, air, gas, etc. flow in a particular direction by using a pump or sth that works like a pump •~ (sth) (+ adv./prep.) The engine is used for pumping water out of the mine. •The heart pumps blood around the body. •~ sth + adj. The lake had been pumped dry. 2. intransitive + adv./prep. (of a liquid)to flow in a particular direction as if it is being forced by a pump •Blood was pumping out of his wound. 3. transitive ~ sth (+ adv./prep.) to move sth quickly up and down or in and out •He kept pumping my hand up and down. •I pumped the handle like crazy. 4. intransitive to move quickly up and down or in and out •She sprinted for the line, legs pumping. •My heart was pumping with excitement. 5. transitive ~ sb (for sth) (informal)to try to get information from sb by asking them a lot of questions •See if you can pump him for more details. Verb forms:
Word Origin: n. sense 1 and v. late Middle English Dutch pomp ‘ship's pump’ ‘wooden or metal conduit’ n. senses 2 to 4 mid 16th cent.
Thesaurus: pump verb T, I (usually used with an adverb or preposition) •An engine pumped water out of the mine. extract • • siphon/syphon • |written draw • pump/extract/siphon/draw sth from sth pump/extract/siphon/draw water from sth pump/extract/siphon oil/liquid/gas from sth
Example Bank: •His heart pumped harder as he held his breath. •The lungs pump oxygen into the bloodstream. •The shock sent adrenalin pumping through her veins.
