Jump

/dʒʌmp/

Meaning & Definition

noun
an act of jumping.
With a great jump, he cleared the puddle.
a sudden increase or change in something.
There was a jump in sales after the new advertising campaign.
a leap or bound.
The jump from the second floor was dangerous.
verb
to spring into the air from the ground or from a support by a muscular effort of the legs and body.
The dog can jump over the fence without any trouble.
to move suddenly or quickly in a specified direction.
She jumped back in surprise when she saw the spider.
to start or begin abruptly or suddenly.
He jumped right into the project without waiting for instructions.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French jmper, from Latin 'salitare' meaning 'to leap'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

jump to conclusions:
to make a decision or form an opinion hastily without sufficient information
jump ship:
to leave a situation, often in a difficult or dangerous context
jump on the bandwagon:
to join a popular activity or trend
jump out of one's skin:
to react with shock or surprise

Related Words

Slang Meanings

jump the gun
He jumped the gun by starting the race early.
jumping someone
They jumped him in the alley.
jump on
She jumped on that opportunity as soon as it came up.