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slam

v. · n.
US //ˈsɫæm// UK //slˈæm// slam
  1. 1 to shut forcefully (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to close a door, window, or lid with a lot of force and a loud noise.

    to shut a door or similar object with sudden force so as to produce a shock and noise; can be used transitively or intransitively.

    Example

    He was so angry that he slammed the door as he left the room.

    Example

    The wind caught the heavy oak door and slammed it shut, echoing through the empty hallway and startling the guests.
    • gently close
  2. 2 to criticize strongly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to criticize someone or something very harshly in public.

    to criticize forcefully or speak badly of; common in journalistic registers to describe intense public disapproval.

    Example

    The local newspapers slammed the government for the new tax laws.

    Example

    Opposition leaders were quick to slam the proposed budget, calling it a short-sighted attempt to appease wealthy donors at the expense of public services.
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  1. 3 to put down with force (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to put something down on a surface very hard and noisily.

    to place or strike an object against a surface with significant force and a loud impact.

    Example

    She slammed her books down on the desk and sat down with a sigh.

    Example

    The detective slammed the folder onto the interrogation table, demanding that the suspect look at the evidence provided.
  2. 4 to be very busy (v.)
    C1 Advanced American English Informal

    to have a huge amount of work to do all at once.

    to be occupied with an overwhelming workload; typically used in the passive voice.

    Example

    I'm sorry I didn't call you back; I've been absolutely slammed at work lately.

    Example

    The kitchen staff was completely slammed during the holiday weekend, struggling to keep up with the unprecedented volume of orders.
  3. 5 to dunk a ball (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    to jump up and push the ball down into the basket with a lot of power.

    to perform a slam dunk; to throw the ball forcibly through the basket from above the rim.

    Example

    The star player slammed the ball through the hoop to win the game.

    Example

    He managed to steal the ball at mid-court and drive to the basket, where he slammed it home to the delight of the home crowd.
  4. 6 a loud noise (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the loud sound made when something is closed or hit with force.

    the shock and noise produced by the violent closure of an object or a sudden impact.

    Example

    The slam of the car door woke up the sleeping baby.

    Example

    The sudden slam of the gate behind her made her jump, realizing she was no longer alone in the garden.
  5. 7 a competition (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a type of competition, especially in sports like tennis or in poetry.

    a tournament or competition, particularly one of the major events in a sports season or a performance poetry contest.

    Example

    She won her first grand slam title after a very difficult final match.

    Example

    The local arts center hosts a monthly poetry slam where writers compete for a small cash prize and the chance to perform at the national level.
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