Definition of jump
Short definition: The word jump means to move your body quickly upward or forward by pushing off the ground with your feet. People also use it to describe sudden changes, quick reactions, or moments when something happens faster than expected.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word jump? The word jump is full of energy. We use it when talking about moving suddenly into the air, but also when describing quick changes, brave decisions, or moments when life seems to move faster than we expect. In everyday life, jump appears in sports, emotions, surprises, and even in conversations about taking risks. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed and natural way, with explanations that feel human instead of stiff like a textbook.
Verb forms: jump, jumps, jumping, jumped
Noun forms: jump, jumps
Related: jumper n., jumping n.
Syllable: jump
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To push yourself off the ground and move into the air.
In its most basic meaning, jump is a physical action. It happens when you bend your knees, push with your legs, and lift your body into the air—even if only for a second. People jump when they play sports, exercise, or simply feel excited and full of energy.
The kids jumped over puddles on their way home from school, laughing every time their shoes landed safely on the dry ground.He jumped as high as he could to catch the ball, feeling proud when his effort finally paid off.She loves to jump on the trampoline, because it makes her feel light and free.Synonyms: leap, hop, bounce, spring, vault, bound, skip, rise into the air, push off, take off, jump up, jump over
Antonyms: sit down, stay still, remain grounded, stand quietly, lie down, crouch, kneel, stay in place, keep still, remain motionless, stay put, stay low -
To move suddenly because of surprise, fear, or excitement.
Very often, jump describes a quick reaction. When something unexpected happens, your body may move before you even think. This kind of jump is not planned—it is a natural response to loud sounds, sudden touches, or shocking moments.
She jumped when the door slammed, not expecting the noise in the quiet room.He almost jumped out of his seat when his phone rang suddenly in the middle of the meeting.The dog jumped with excitement as soon as it saw its owner coming home.Synonyms: startle, react suddenly, jerk, flinch, spring back, leap in surprise, move quickly, twitch, bounce in reaction, move sharply, recoil, jump back
Antonyms: stay calm, remain still, not react, keep steady, stay relaxed, stay unmoved, remain composed, not flinch, stay quiet, hold still, stay cool, remain unshaken -
To increase suddenly or quickly.
In daily conversation, jump is often used to describe changes that happen fast. Prices can jump, numbers can jump, and emotions can jump from calm to excitement in seconds. It helps explain moments when life suddenly speeds up.
The temperature jumped in the afternoon, making everyone look for shade and cold drinks.Ticket prices jumped just before the holiday season, surprising many travelers.His heart rate jumped when he realized he had forgotten his passport.Synonyms: rise suddenly, increase quickly, surge, shoot up, climb fast, spike, leap up, grow fast, boost, jump up, go up sharply, escalate
Antonyms: drop, fall, decrease, go down, decline, sink, lower slowly, reduce, slide down, fade, lessen, diminish -
To move quickly from one situation to another.
Sometimes jump is not about physical movement at all. It can describe changing topics, jobs, or ideas very quickly. In this sense, the word suggests skipping steps or moving forward without waiting too long.
He jumped from one idea to another, excited about every new possibility that came to mind.She decided to jump into a new career, even though it felt risky at first.They jumped straight to the main topic, without spending time on small talk.Synonyms: switch quickly, move fast, leap into, dive into, change suddenly, shift gears, move on fast, skip ahead, rush into, go straight to, take a quick step, move abruptly
Antonyms: take your time, move slowly, proceed carefully, stay with one thing, go step by step, hesitate, move gradually, stay steady, wait patiently, remain cautious, take it slow, hold back -
(Noun) A sudden movement, change, or reaction.
As a noun, jump can describe the action itself or the moment when something changes quickly. It captures the feeling of sudden motion or surprise, whether in the body, in numbers, or in emotions.
There was a sudden jump in noise when the children ran into the room.The graph shows a big jump in sales last month, surprising even the managers.He felt a jump of excitement when he heard his name called.Synonyms: leap, sudden move, quick rise, sharp change, burst, spike, sudden shift, fast reaction, jolt, quick motion, surge, sudden increase
Antonyms: slow change, steady movement, calm reaction, gradual shift, smooth transition, slow rise, gentle movement, steady pace, no reaction, quiet change, slow adjustment, smooth flow
