Slam

/slæm/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A forceful hit or strike.
The slam of the door echoed through the hallway.
A harsh criticism.
The novel received a slam from the critics for its weak plot.
verb
To shut (a door, window, etc.) forcefully and loudly.
She slammed the door in anger after the argument.
To strike or hit something forcefully.
The basketball player slammed the ball into the hoop.
To criticize someone or something harshly.
The journalist slammed the new policy in her latest article.
To put something down with great force.
He slammed the book on the table, drawing everyone's attention.

Etymology

Origin unknown, possibly imitative of the sound of slamming.

Common Phrases and Expressions

slam dunk
A term used in basketball to describe a shot made by jumping and scoring close to the basket.
slam on brakes
To stop a vehicle suddenly and forcefully.
slam to a halt
To stop suddenly.

Related Words

bang
A loud, sudden noise.
thud
A sound made by a heavy object hitting a surface.
crash
A loud noise caused by the collision of two objects.

Slang Meanings

To criticize someone or something strongly.
He really slammed that movie review.
To party or have a good time.
We are going to slam it at the concert tonight.