# stomp on

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stomp-on
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He stomped the bug." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.