C1verb1K

Pump

UK /["/pʌmp/","/pʌmps/","/pʌmpt/","/ˈpʌmpɪŋ/"]/US /["/pʌmp/","/pʌmps/","/pʌmpt/","/ˈpʌmpɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make water, air, gas, etc. flow in a particular direction by using a pump or something that works like a pump

In simple words: To push air or liquid in and out of something.

Examples

They had to pump water out of the basement after the flood.
The athlete's heart began to pump faster during the intense workout.
Mechanics pump air into the tires to ensure proper pressure.
He uses a hand pump to inflate the bicycle tires.
The factory pumps oil from underground wells daily.
She had to pump the brakes carefully to avoid skidding on the icy road.
They pump money into the project to keep it running smoothly.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both literal contexts (like pumping gas) and figurative contexts (like pumping up enthusiasm). Avoid in very formal settings.

Grammar pattern

pump + object

Memory hint

Think of a pump as a 'jump' for air or liquids into a tire.

Collocations

pump gas
pump water
pump iron
pump up
pump blood

Synonyms

inflated
suction
circulate
force
pressurize

Antonyms

drain
extract

Common mistakes

Confused with 'bump' when talking about inflating something.
Used the wrong preposition, such as saying 'pump to' instead of 'pump into'.