slam
0 antonyms and opposites of slam, grouped by meaning.
Verb — To shut something with sudden force and a loud noise.
How to use slam
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From an unrecorded Middle English word likely borrowed from Old Norse slæma ("to strike, swing a weapon"), related to Scandinavian words for banging or clattering.
Full origin of slam →Frequently asked questions
What does “slam” mean?
The word “slam” means to shut something with sudden force and a loud noise. In plain terms, to shut or hit something with sudden force and noise, or to criticise something harshly.
How do you pronounce “slam”?
“Slam” is pronounced SLAM (/ˈslæm/ in IPA).
How do you use “slam” in a sentence?
Here is “slam” used in a sentence: “She slammed the door on her way out.”
What part of speech is “slam”?
Depending on how it is used, “slam” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “slam” come from?
The word “slam” comes from Middle English. From an unrecorded Middle English word likely borrowed from Old Norse slæma ("to strike, swing a weapon"), related to Scandinavian words for banging or clattering.
Is “slam” a common word?
“Slam” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “slam” have?
“Slam” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to shut something with sudden force and a loud noise.
What is a grand slam?
In the card game bridge, a slam is a bid to win all or nearly all of the tricks in a hand; a grand slam means taking every trick, while a small slam allows one loss. Sport borrowed the phrase: in baseball a grand slam is a home run hit with all bases loaded, and in tennis and golf winning the Grand Slam means taking all four major championships.
Is slam formal or informal?
The physical sense, to shut something with sudden force and a loud noise, is neutral and fits any register. The sense meaning to criticise harshly is informal and typical of tabloid headlines; in formal writing, prefer criticise sharply, condemn, or denounce.
What is the difference between slam and bang?
Both involve sudden loud impacts, but slam emphasises the forceful action, especially closing something hard, while bang emphasises the noise produced. You slam a door in anger; a door left open bangs in the wind.