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Jammed: meaning, definitions and examples

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jammed

 

[dʒamd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a tight spot

To be stuck or immobilized in a particular place or situation.

Synonyms

immobilized, stuck, trapped.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jammed

This word is often used when something is tightly packed or unable to move because it is blocked or surrounded by other objects. It can be used for mechanical issues or situations with tight spaces.

  • The printer is jammed with paper
  • Traffic was jammed on the highway
stuck

This word is commonly used in informal situations when something cannot move from a particular position or location. It often implies that the situation is temporary and can be resolved with effort.

  • The cat is stuck in the tree
  • I'm stuck in traffic
immobilized

This word is used to describe something that is completely unable to move or function, often due to a defect, injury, or external force. It can apply to both objects and living beings.

  • The car was immobilized after the accident
  • His leg was immobilized with a cast
trapped

This word is used when someone or something is unable to escape from a place or situation, often implying distress or danger. It can have a more serious or emotional connotation.

  • The miners were trapped underground
  • She felt trapped in her job

Examples of usage

  • The car got jammed in the narrow alley and couldn't move.
  • I got jammed in traffic and was late for the meeting.
Context #2 | Noun

food

A sweet spread made from fruit boiled with sugar and pectin.

Synonyms

jelly, preserve, spread.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jammed

Informally used to describe a situation where there is a lot of people or things in a small space. This use has a slight negative connotation.

  • The subway was jammed with passengers
  • The roads are jammed during rush hour
preserve

A type of food made from whole fruits or large pieces of fruit boiled with sugar; often used in a more formal or culinary context.

  • Would you like some raspberry preserve with your scone? The homemade preserve tastes much better than the store-bought one
jelly

Used to refer to a sweet, spreadable food that is smooth and made from fruit juice.

  • I like to put jelly on my toast
  • Do you prefer strawberry jelly or grape jelly?
spread

A general term for any food that can be spread on bread or crackers, including butter, cheese, or any of the sweet spreads mentioned above.

  • Bring some cheese spread for the party
  • I need a knife to spread the peanut butter

Examples of usage

  • She spread jam on her toast for breakfast.
  • The jar of strawberry jam was almost empty.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'jam' comes from the Middle English word 'jamme', which means to press together tightly.
  • Originally used to describe fruit preserves, the term evolved into a metaphor for things stuck or crowded.
  • In the late 19th century, 'jammed' started being used to describe crowded train carriages, linking it to transportation.

Technology

  • In computer science, 'jammed' can refer to a state where systems or networks become overloaded and unresponsive.
  • Printers often get 'jammed' when paper gets stuck in the machine, leading to a halt in printing until the issue is resolved.
  • The term also applies to gears in machines that refuse to turn when they are blocked by foreign objects.

Pop Culture

  • In music, a 'jam session' refers to musicians improvising together, which is typically an enjoyable experience, hence the positive association.
  • Movies often depict characters getting 'jammed' in elevators or traffic to create tension or humor.
  • The term 'traffic jam' gained popularity in the mid-20th century as cars became more prevalent, creating congested roads.

Psychology

  • Feeling 'jammed' can also refer to mental blocks where a person feels stuck in their thoughts or decision-making.
  • Psychologists note that high-stress environments can lead to feelings of being emotionally 'jammed', creating a need for relief.
  • Experiencing too many tasks at once can lead to 'jammed' schedules, affecting time management and overall well-being.

Literature

  • In various stories, a character might find themselves 'jammed' in scenarios that symbolize greater societal issues, like feeling trapped in modern life.
  • Writers use the imagery of 'jamming' to express conflict or strife in narratives, adding tension to plots.
  • Poets often explore feelings of being jammed emotionally, representing the human experience through the metaphor of being stuck.

Translations

Translations of the word "jammed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entupido

🇮🇳 जाम

🇩🇪 verstopft

🇮🇩 macet

🇺🇦 заблокований

🇵🇱 zablokowany

🇯🇵 詰まった (つまった)

🇫🇷 encombré

🇪🇸 atascado

🇹🇷 tıkalı

🇰🇷 막힌 (막힌)

🇸🇦 مزدحم

🇨🇿 zablokovaný

🇸🇰 zablokovaný

🇨🇳 堵塞的 (dǔsè de)

🇸🇮 zastavljen

🇮🇸 stíflaður

🇰🇿 бітелген

🇬🇪 დატვირთული (datvirthuli)

🇦🇿 tıxanmış

🇲🇽 atascado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,050, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.