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Thud: meaning, definitions and examples

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thud

 

[θʌd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

A dull, heavy sound, such as that made by an object falling to the ground.

Synonyms

bang, clunk, thump.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thud

Describes a dull, heavy sound typically caused by something large or heavy hitting a surface.

  • The book fell off the shelf with a loud thud.
  • She heard a thud and rushed to see what had happened.
bang

Indicates a sudden, loud noise, often caused by an impact or explosion. It has a more forceful and abrupt connotation.

  • There was a bang when the door slammed shut.
  • The tire burst with a bang.
clunk

Refers to a heavy, dull sound, often metallic or mechanical, typically from something solid hitting or colliding with something else.

  • He dropped the wrench and it hit the floor with a clunk.
  • The old car made a clunking noise whenever it hit a bump.
thump

Describes a rhythmic, repetitive sound, often associated with something hitting or being hit continuously. Can imply a muffled force.

  • She could hear the thump of the basketball on the court.
  • There was a constant thumping noise from the construction next door.

Examples of usage

  • The thud of the door closing echoed through the empty hallway.
  • He heard a thud outside and went to investigate.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To make a dull, heavy sound by falling or hitting something.

Synonyms

bang, clang, clunk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thud

Used to describe a dull, heavy sound usually made when an object hits a surfacе without breaking. It often implies a softer impact compared to a 'bang' or 'clang'.

  • She dropped the book, and it hit the floor with a thud.
  • He tripped and fell with a loud thud.
bang

Used to describe a loud, sharp noise usually caused by an explosion, gunshot, or when something heavy strikes a hard surface. It conveys a sudden and impactful sound.

  • The door slammed shut with a bang.
  • There was a bang as the tire burst.
clang

Refers to a loud, resonant, metallic sound often made when two metal objects collide. It typically suggests a prolonged ringing noise.

  • The metal gate closed with a clang.
  • The pots and pans fell with a clang.
clunk

Describes a heavy, dull sound often associated with something solid hitting another object or when machinery operates. It is less sharp than a 'clang' or 'bang'.

  • He dropped the wrench, and it landed with a clunk.
  • The old car engine started with a clunk.

Examples of usage

  • The book thudded onto the table.
  • The rock thudded against the window.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'thud' has roots in Middle English and is believed to be imitative of the sound it describes.
  • Its first known use dates back to the early 19th century, reflecting changes in the English language as it evolved.

Literature

  • Authors often use 'thud' to create a vivid image in readers' minds, enhancing the sense of action and weight in a scene.
  • In poetry, the sound of 'thud' can evoke feelings of heaviness or impact, adding emotional depth to the verses.

Psychology

  • Sounds like 'thud' can trigger physical sensations and emotions, as our brains link auditory cues to experiences, enhancing memory.
  • The suddenness of a 'thud' can create a startle response, illustrating how sounds influence our body's reactions.

Pop Culture

  • 'Thud' is frequently used in cartoons and movies to punctuate comedic moments when characters stumble or fall.
  • In some video games, the term 'thud' describes the sound effects for falling items or characters, adding realism to gameplay.

Sound Design

  • Sound designers often manipulate the 'thud' effect to enhance tension or drama in films, emphasizing moments of impact.
  • The 'thud' creates a sense of weight in soundscapes, helping to ground auditory experiences in visual media.

Translations

Translations of the word "thud" in other languages:

🇵🇹 baque

🇮🇳 धड़ाम

🇩🇪 Dumpfer Schlag

🇮🇩 dung

🇺🇦 глухий удар

🇵🇱 łomot

🇯🇵 ドスン

🇫🇷 boum

🇪🇸 golpe

🇹🇷 güm

🇰🇷 쿵

🇸🇦 دوي

🇨🇿 buch

🇸🇰 buch

🇨🇳 砰

🇸🇮 tresk

🇮🇸 dunur

🇰🇿 дүңк

🇬🇪 გრუხუნი

🇦🇿 güm

🇲🇽 golpe

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,810, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.