stamp

stamp [stamp]

vt.

[ME stampen, akin to OHG stampfon < Gmc * stampon, *stampjan, to press to pieces < IE * stembh-, to crush < base * steb(h)-, a post, pole > STAFF², STEP, STUMP]

1. to bring (the foot) down forcibly on the ground, a floor, etc.

2.

a) to strike down on forcibly with the foot [to stamp the floor in anger]

b) to beat, crush, etc. in a specified way by treading on heavily [to stamp the grass down to the earth]

c) to remove by stamping the foot or feet [to stamp the snow from one's boots]

d) to pulverize (ore, etc.) by grinding or crushing

e) to imprint or cut out (a mark, design, lettering, etc.) by bringing a form forcibly against a material [to stamp initials in leather]

f) to cut out, form, or make as by applying a die to metal: often with out [to stamp auto bodies]

3. to impress, mark, or imprint with some design, characters, etc., as to decorate or to show authenticity, ownership, sanction, or the like

4. to impress or mark distinctly or indelibly [the incident was stamped in her memory]

5. to put an official seal or a stamp on (a document, letter, etc.)

6. to characterize or reveal distinctly, as if by imprinting [the courage that stamped him as a hero]

vi.

1. to bring the foot down forcibly on the ground, a floor, etc.

2. to walk with loud, heavy steps, as in anger, etc.

n.

1. the act of stamping

2. a machine, tool, etc. used for stamping or crushing ore, etc.

3.

a) any tool or implement, as a die, used by being forcibly brought against something to mark or shape it

b) a mark or form made by such a tool or implement

4. a mark, seal, impression, etc. used to show officially that a tax has been paid, authority given, etc.

5.

a) a small piece of paper, distinctively imprinted on the face and usually gummed on the back, issued by a government for a specified price and required to be affixed to a letter, parcel, document, commodity subject to duty, etc. as evidence that the prescribed fee, as for carrying mail, has been paid

b) any piece of paper similar to a stamp, issued by an organization, business firm, etc. [trading stamps]

6. any characteristic sign or impression; indication [the stamp of truth]

7. character; kind; class; type

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stamp out

1. to beat, crush, or put out by treading on forcibly [to stamp out a fire, a cigarette, etc.]

2. to crush, suppress, or put down (a revolt, rebellion, etc.)