bump

A bump results when two things hit against each each other, or when there’s a small collision. Bumps also appear on the body when a person gets hit or as a reaction to an illness or some type of natural cause. The word "bump" can be used as a noun or as a verb:

• George bumped his head.
• Try not to bump into the other cars when you park along the curb.
• When Zooey bumped into some glasses at the store, they fell off of the shelf and shattered.

• The taxi bumped into the trash can.
• He got a bump on his head and a few bruises after he fell off of his skateboard. (This sentence uses "bump" as a noun.)
• This creature has bumps all over its body.

We also use the word "bump" when there’s an accidental meeting with another person, usually in a public place:

• Denise bumped into an old friend at the store. She hadn’t seen him in over ten years.
• I bumped into Jennifer Lopez in the elevator the other day. She smiled at me.
• Abdi bumped into his neighbor at the laundromat while he was doing his laundry.

The adjective form of this word is "bumpy."

• This is a really bumpy road. It’s causing the entire car to shake.
• My arm is all red and bumpy. I think I’m having an allergic reaction to something.
• The flight became a little bumpy when the airplane hit some turbulence.

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October 20, 2012