Reading Theme:
Stamp Verb: Meanings, Usage & Examples Explained (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：imprint officially (stamp)
stamp
/stæmp/
v.
To press a mark or design onto a surface using a special tool, like an official seal on a document.
imprint officially
➕
/ɪmˈprɪnt əˈfɪʃəli/
v.
To officially mark or seal a document or object by pressing a die or inked block onto its surface, often to validate, authorize, or indicate provenance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'stampian' meaning 'to pound, crush with the foot', later extended to mean 'to impress with a die'. The core sense involves forceful downward pressure.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of the loud STOMP of a foot and the sharp IMPRINT of a seal. Both actions share the forceful, downward 'ST-AMP' motion.
📖 Example
The immigration officer will stamp your passport when you enter the country.
The immigration official will officially mark your passport with an entry seal upon your arrival.
🔗 Collocations
stamp a document – to officially mark a document with a seal
stamp out corruption – to decisively eliminate corrupt practices
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
erase (v.) – to rub out or remove a mark or writing
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The act of stamping a seal to authorize documents dates back millennia. The word's specific association with postal services solidified in 1840 with the world's first official postage stamp, the 'Penny Black', issued in the United Kingdom. This innovation revolutionized communication by pre-paying postage and is a key artifact in the history of global logistics.
Meaning 2：stomp heavily (stamp)
stamp
/stæmp/
v.
To put your foot down very hard and noisily on the ground, often because you are angry or want to crush something.
stomp heavily
➕
/stɒmp ˈhevɪli/
v.
To bring one's foot down heavily and noisily onto the ground or an object, typically as an expression of strong emotion such as anger, frustration, or impatience, or with the intent to crush or flatten.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The little boy began to stamp his feet in frustration when his toy broke.
The young child started to stomp his feet forcefully on the ground, expressing his annoyance over the broken toy.
🔗 Collocations
stamp one's feet – to stomp repeatedly, often showing impatience or cold
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
tiptoe (v.) – to walk quietly and carefully on the balls of the feet
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