B2verb2K

Dump

UK /["/dʌmp/","/dʌmps/","/dʌmpt/","/ˈdʌmpɪŋ/"]/US /["/dʌmp/","/dʌmps/","/dʌmpt/","/ˈdʌmpɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to get rid of something you do not want, especially in a place that is not suitable

In simple words: to throw away or drop something somewhere

Examples

  • Too much toxic waste is being dumped at sea.
  • The dead body was just dumped by the roadside.
  • Any vessel dumping at sea without a licence will be prosecuted.
  • He's got no right to keep dumping his problems on me.
  • Just dump your stuff over there—we'll sort it out later.
  • He dumped the boxes down in the kitchen.
  • They carried him down to the beach and dumped him unceremoniously in the freezing water.
  • Did you hear he's dumped his girlfriend?
  • They dropped the problem firmly back in my lap.

Usage notes

Use 'dump' when talking about discarding trash or something unwanted. Avoid in formal contexts; it's more suitable for casual conversations about cleaning or disposal.

Grammar pattern

dump + object

Memory hint

Think of the sound it makes — 'dump' sounds like a loud drop!

Collocations

  • illegally
  • legally
  • unceremoniously
  • illegally
  • legally
  • unceremoniously

Synonyms

  • discard
  • dispose
  • drop
  • throw away
  • get rid of

Antonyms

  • collect
  • gather
  • store

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'load' — dumping something means to throw it away, not to carry it.
  • Using 'dump' for food items incorrectly; it usually refers to waste.
  • Mistaking 'dump' as a formal term; it's informal or neutral.