slam
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to close a door, window, or lid with a lot of force and a loud noise.
v.to shut a door or similar object with sudden force so as to produce a shock and noise; can be used transitively or intransitively.
Simple“He was so angry that he slammed the door as he left the room.”
In context“The wind caught the heavy oak door and slammed it shut, echoing through the empty hallway and startling the guests.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to criticize someone or something very harshly in public.
v.to criticize forcefully or speak badly of; common in journalistic registers to describe intense public disapproval.
Simple“The local newspapers slammed the government for the new tax laws.”
In context“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.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to put something down on a surface very hard and noisily.
v.to place or strike an object against a surface with significant force and a loud impact.
Simple“She slammed her books down on the desk and sat down with a sigh.”
In context“The detective slammed the folder onto the interrogation table, demanding that the suspect look at the evidence provided.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to have a huge amount of work to do all at once.
v.to be occupied with an overwhelming workload; typically used in the passive voice.
Simple“I'm sorry I didn't call you back; I've been absolutely slammed at work lately.”
In context“The kitchen staff was completely slammed during the holiday weekend, struggling to keep up with the unprecedented volume of orders.”
Synonyms - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to jump up and push the ball down into the basket with a lot of power.
v.to perform a slam dunk; to throw the ball forcibly through the basket from above the rim.
Simple“The star player slammed the ball through the hoop to win the game.”
In context“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.”
Synonyms - 06 B1 Intermediate
n.the loud sound made when something is closed or hit with force.
n.the shock and noise produced by the violent closure of an object or a sudden impact.
Simple“The slam of the car door woke up the sleeping baby.”
In context“The sudden slam of the gate behind her made her jump, realizing she was no longer alone in the garden.”
- 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a type of competition, especially in sports like tennis or in poetry.
n.a tournament or competition, particularly one of the major events in a sports season or a performance poetry contest.
Simple“She won her first grand slam title after a very difficult final match.”
In context“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.”
Synonyms