slam

Definition

To shut with sudden force so as to produce a shock and noise.

Etymology

From Middle English *slammen (not recorded), apparently from a Scandinavian source ultimately from Old Norse slæma, slœma (“to slam, swing a weapon, strike an object out of reach”), related to Old Norse slamra, slambra (“to slam”). Cognate with Norwegian Bokmål slamre (“to slam”), Swedish slamra (“to pound, beat, make a clatter, rattle”), Norwegian Nynorsk slamra (“to sway, dangle”).

Example Sentences

• "Don't slam the door!"
• "Britain’s borders: wide open to Covid, slammed shut for people in need [title]"
• "Don't slam that trunk down on the pavement!"