bam
|bam|
/bæm/
sudden loud impact (sound)
Etymology
'bam' originates from imitative (onomatopoeic) English, specifically an imitative representation of a sudden impact sound.
'bam' developed as a written imitation of an impact noise in English usage (attested from the 18th century onward) and has been used in literature and comic-style writing to represent sudden blows or crashes.
Initially, it referred directly to the actual sound of an impact; over time it was also used as an interjection (to announce or emphasize a sudden event) and as a verb (to strike or slam, producing that sound).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a sudden loud noise, especially one caused by a blow, collision, or impact.
There was a bam as the book fell off the shelf.
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Verb 1
to strike, slam, or hit something in a way that produces a loud noise; to close or move with a loud impact.
They bam the door shut every night.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/09 01:06