I. ˈslam, -laa(ə)m noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
: a winning of all the tricks or points of a deal in a game of cards — see grand slam , little slam
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Icelandic slæma to slam
1. : a heavy blow or impact
2.
a. : a noisy violent closing (as of a door)
b. : a banging noise ; especially : one made by the slam of a door
3. : a cutting or violent criticism
III. verb
( slammed ; slammed ; slamming ; slams )
Etymology: of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish dialect slämma to slam, Norwegian slemba, slemma, Icelandic slæma and probably to Old Norse slambra to strike at something
transitive verb
1. : to strike or beat vigorously or thoroughly : hit strongly : knock
slammed him about the head with a stick
2. : to shut forcibly and noisily : bang
wind often slams the shutter
3.
a. : to put in place with undue force or noise or in a great hurry : push, move, activate, or throw with impetuosity
slamming the lid of the trunk
slam home the bolt
— often used with an adverb of direction
slammed on the brake
slam the window down
b. : to cause to occur through vigorous or impetuous action
the batter slammed out a homer
the committee determined to slam through a new appropriation
4. : to criticize vigorously, brutally, or recklessly : abuse verbally
intransitive verb
1. : to make a banging noise
2. : to function (as in moving or working) with obvious and usually noisy vigor
ready to slam into his chores
a football player slamming into the line
3. : to utter verbal abuse
•
- slam the door
- slam the door in one's face
IV. adverb
1. : with a slam
slam went the doors
2. dialect : clear , completely
slam across the road
V. noun
Etymology: slam (II)
1. : slammer herein
2. : a poetry competition performed before judges