Bumping: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a light, often accidental, impact between objects or people.

• I kept bumping into people at the crowded concert.
• The car kept bumping over the potholes.

Used when two objects or people crash into each other with force. Often implies a more serious impact.

• The two cars collided at the intersection.
• Their ideas collided during the heated debate.

Can describe both a light tap or a more forceful hit. Often used with doors (lightly) or in situations involving potential damage (more forcefully).

• He heard a knock at the door.
• The ball was accidentally knocked over the fence.

Used to describe a sudden and forceful movement or shock. Can also imply unexpected or startling force.

• The train's sudden stop gave everyone a jolt.
• Her loud scream jolted him awake.

Used to describe a gentle or minor collision, often unintentionally. Commonly appears in contexts involving crowds or small objects.

• I kept bumping into people at the concert
• The baby was bumping his toy cars together

Typically used to describe a collision that includes a noise, often due to hitting something. Can have a slightly negative connotation if related to damage.

• She knocked over the vase while cleaning
• I heard a loud knock at the door

Describes a sudden, often unexpected shock or movement. Can imply a surprising or jarring effect.

• The news gave me quite a jolt
• The bus hit a bump in the road, causing a jolt

Refers to a strong forceful collision, often with significant consequences. Used in scientific, medical, or serious contexts.

• The car crash had a significant impact on traffic
• They studied the impact of the new policy on the economy