English Reference

Phrasal verb

stomp on

Definition

phrasal verb. to step down very hard on something with your foot, often to break it or show anger.

phrasal verb. to bring the foot down forcibly and noisily upon a surface or object. Transitive; often carries a figurative sense of crushing or suppressing an idea or emotion.

Examples

“He tried to stomp on the spider.”

“The angry fans began to stomp on the posters after their team lost the game.”

“The government was accused of trying to stomp on the budding protest movement before it could gain any real momentum.”

Examples

simple

“He tried to stomp on the spider.”

contextual

“The angry fans began to stomp on the posters after their team lost the game.”

complex

“The government was accused of trying to stomp on the budding protest movement before it could gain any real momentum.”

Usage

usually implies a deliberate, forceful action rather than an accidental step.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'tread on' (neutral/accidental) and 'stamp on' (British English equivalent); 'stomp' is more common in American English and suggests more aggression.

Pitfall

He stomped the bug.

He stomped on the bug.

while 'stomp' can be used alone, the phrasal verb 'stomp on' is required when focusing on the specific object being crushed.

Phrasal verb

Particles

on

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

stomp + on + object

Synonyms

stamp oncrushtrample

Antonyms

tiptoestep lightly

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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