pump
Third Person
pumps
Present Participle
pumping
Past Tense
pumped
Past Participle
pumped
1
to make gas or liquid move in a certain direction using a mechanical action
transitive
- He had to pump air into the bicycle tires to ensure a smooth ride.
- The gas station attendant helped pump fuel into the car's tank.
- The heart pumps blood throughout the circulatory system to supply the body with oxygen.
2
to infuse or inject something, such as energy, resources, or vitality, into a system, environment, or situation
transitive
- The government decided to pump billions of dollars into the healthcare system to improve access to medical services.
- The company pumped significant funds into research and development to innovate new products.
- She pumped her energy and enthusiasm into the project, motivating her team to achieve ambitious goals.
- After years of decline, the city council launched initiatives to pump new life into the downtown area.
3
to interrogate someone persistently or forcefully to obtain information
transitive
- He pumped his friend for information about the surprise party.
- She pumped her children for details about their day at school.
- The investigator pumped the witness for every detail of the crime scene.
- She pumped her colleague for insights into the upcoming project.
4
to move or flow in a pulsating or irregular manner, with interruptions or fluctuations in the flow
- The oil pumped slowly from the ground as the drilling rig continued its operation.
- The lava pumped slowly from the volcano's crater, flowing down its slopes.
- As the heart relaxed, blood pumped into its chambers, preparing for the next contraction.
- During heavy rain, the water pumped from the storm drains, flooding the streets.
5
to apply forceful or repetitive upward and downward motions
transitive
- She pumped the handle of the well to draw water to the surface.
- He pumped the bicycle pedals to gain speed while riding uphill.
- The firefighter pumped the handle of the fire extinguisher to release the foam.
- The worker pumped the lever of the jack to lift the heavy machinery.
6
(surfing) waves that are consistently strong, powerful, and ideal for surfing
- The waves are absolutely pumping today—let’s hit the water!
- You know it’s a good session when the swell keeps pumping like this.
- We checked the surf report, and it said the waves would be pumping all weekend.
- He paddled out just as the set started pumping, and he caught an insane ride.
- Nothing beats the thrill of surfing when the ocean is really pumping.