ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pumped

adj.
US //ˈpəmpt// UK //pˈʌmpt// pumped
  1. 1 excited (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slang

    feeling very excited and full of energy for something that is about to happen.

    experiencing a state of high enthusiasm, adrenaline, or anticipation.

    Example

    The whole team is really pumped for the championship game tonight.

    Example

    The marketing department was visibly pumped after the initial sales figures suggested the campaign would exceed its quarterly targets.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'for' or 'about'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is very common in spoken English but should be avoided in formal academic or business writing.
  2. 2 muscular (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang Sport

    when your muscles look larger and tighter right after you have exercised.

    referring to muscles in a temporary state of engorgement and increased definition following strenuous physical exertion.

    Example

    He looked really pumped after spending an hour lifting weights at the gym.

    Example

    Bodybuilders often aim to feel pumped before stepping onto the stage to ensure maximum muscular visibility under the spotlights.

    Usage

    Commonly used in fitness and bodybuilding contexts.
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  1. 3 exhausted (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal Dialect

    feeling completely tired or worn out, especially after a long period of physical work.

    physically exhausted or fatigued to the point of being unable to continue an activity.

    Example

    After hiking up the mountain for six hours, I was totally pumped.

    Example

    By the final set of the match, the player looked completely pumped, struggling to maintain his grip on the racket.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is less common than the 'excited' sense and is often specific to certain sports like rock climbing or rowing.

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