jump

verb

\ ˈjəmp

jumped; jumping; jumps

Definition of jump

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : to spring into the air : leap especially : to spring free from the ground or other base by the muscular action of feet and legs

b : to move suddenly or involuntarily : start

c : to move energetically : hustle

d : to start out or forward : begin —usually used with off jump off to a big lead

e : to move over a position occupied by an opponent's piece in a board game often thereby capturing the piece

f : to undergo a vertical or lateral displacement owing to improper alignment of the film on a projector mechanism

g : to go from one sequence of instructions in a computer program to another

2a : to move haphazardly or irregularly : shift abruptly jumped from job to job

b : to undergo a sudden sharp change in value prices jumped

c : to make a hurried judgment jump to conclusions

d : to show eagerness jumped at the chance

e : to enter eagerly jump on the bandwagon

f : to change or abandon employment especially in violation of contract

g : to rise suddenly in rank or status

h : to make a jump in bridge

3 : to make a sudden physical or verbal attack jumped on him for his criticism

4 : to bustle with activity the restaurant was jumping

5 : coincide, agree

transitive verb

1a : to leap over jump a hurdle

b : to leap aboard jump a freight

c : to act, move, or begin before (something, such as a signal) jump the green light

d : to move over (a piece) in a board game

2a : to escape from : avoid

b : to leave hastily or in violation of contract jump town without paying their bills— Hamilton Basso

c : to depart from (a normal course) jump the track

3a : to make a sudden physical or verbal attack on

b : to occupy illegally jump a mining claim

4a(1) : to cause to leap

(2) : to cause (game) to break cover : start, flush

b : to increase suddenly and sharply

c : to elevate in rank or status

d : to raise (a bridge partner's bid) by more than one rank

5 obsolete : risk, hazard

jump bail

: to abscond after being released from prison on bail

jump ship

1 : to leave the company of a ship without authority

2 : to desert a cause or party especially abruptly

jump the gun

1 : to start in a race before the starting signal

2 : to act, move, or begin something before the proper time

jump the queue

British : to advance directly to or as if to the head of a line

jump the shark

: to undergo a significant change for the worse that marks the point at which a period of success ends (as for a TV series)

jump

noun

Definition of jump (Entry 2 of 3)

1a(1) : an act of jumping : leap

(2) : any of several sports competitions featuring a leap, spring, or bound

(3) : a leap in figure skating in which the skater leaves the ice with both feet and turns in the air

(4) : a space cleared or covered by a leap

(5) : an obstacle to be jumped over or from

b : a sudden involuntary movement : start

c : a move made in a board game by jumping

d : a transfer from one sequence of instructions in a computer program to a different sequence

2 : an advantage at the start getting the jump on the competition

3a(1) : a sharp sudden increase

(2) : a bid in bridge of more tricks than are necessary to overcall the preceding bid — compare shift

b : an abrupt change or transition

c(1) : a quick short journey

(2) : one in a series of moves from one place to another

d : the portion of a published item (such as a newspaper article or story) that comprises the continuation of an item that begins on a preceding page

4 : jazz music with a fast tempo

5 obsolete : venture

jump

adverb

Definition of jump (Entry 3 of 3)

obsolete

: exactly, pat

Synonyms Where did jump the shark come from? More Example Sentences Learn More about jump

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jump

Definition of jump

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