n.
Pronunciation: ' j ə mp
Function: verb
Etymology: probably akin to Low German gumpen to jump
Date: 1530
intransitive verb
1 a : to spring into the air : LEAP especially : to spring free from the ground or other base by the muscular action of feet and legs b : to move suddenly or involuntarily : START c : to move over a position occupied by an opponent's piece in a board game often thereby capturing the piece d : to undergo a vertical or lateral displacement owing to improper alignment of the film on a projector mechanism e : to start out or forward : BEGIN ― usually used with off < jump off to a big lead> f : to move energetically : HUSTLE g : to go from one sequence of instructions in a computer program to another < jump to a subroutine>
2 : COINCIDE , AGREE
3 a : to move haphazardly or irregularly : shift abruptly < jump ed from job to job> b : to change or abandon employment especially in violation of contract c : to rise suddenly in rank or status d : to undergo a sudden sharp change in value <prices jump ed > e : to make a jump in bridge f : to make a hurried judgment < jump to conclusions> g : to show eagerness < jump ed at the chance> h : to enter eagerly < jump on the bandwagon>
4 : to make a sudden physical or verbal attack < jump ed on him for his criticism>
5 : to bustle with activity <the bar was jump ing with young people>
transitive verb
1 a : to leap over < jump a hurdle> b : to move over (a piece) in a board game c : to act, move, or begin before (as a signal) < jump the green light> d : to leap aboard < jump a freight>
2 obsolete : RISK , HAZARD
3 a : to escape from : AVOID b : to leave hastily or in violation of contract < jump town without paying their bills ― Hamilton Basso> c : to depart from (a normal course) < jump the track>
4 a : to make a sudden physical or verbal attack on b : to occupy illegally < jump a mining claim>
5 a (1) : to cause to leap (2) : to cause (game) to break cover : START , FLUSH b : to elevate in rank or status c : to raise (a bridge partner's bid) by more than one rank d : to increase suddenly and sharply
– jump bail : to abscond after being released from prison on bail
– jump ship
1 : to leave the company of a ship without authority
2 : to desert a cause or party especially abruptly : DEFECT
– jump the gun
1 : to start in a race before the starting signal
2 : to act, move, or begin something before the proper time
– jump the queue
British : to advance directly to or as if to the head of a line