stamp
stamp
UK[stæmp]US[stæmp]
v
to bring (your foot) down heavily and noisily on the ground
v
to walk with loud, heavy steps
v
to put a pattern, sign, or letters on something using a special tool or object
n
a small piece of paper you buy and stick onto an envelope or package to show you have paid for it to be posted
n
a tool for printing a pattern, date, or letters onto a surface
Etymology
the word "stamp" originates from the middle english verb "stampen," meaning to pound or crush, which itself evolved from the old english "stempan," sharing a similar sense. these are rooted in the proto-germanic "stampōną," conveying the action of pressing or trampling. the core semantic thread from its ancient roots to modern english is the concept of applying forceful pressure, which logically extends to the act of striking the foot down, impressing a mark with a tool, and by metonymy, the resulting mark or the adhesive label purchased for postage.
Analysis
the word is a simplex of germanic origin. it functions as a whole unit.
Examples
the child began to stamp his feet in frustration.
please remember to stamp the official documents with the company seal.
i need to buy a first-class stamp for this letter.