trample

verb

tram·​ple ˈtram-pəl How to pronounce trample (audio)
trampled; trampling ˈtram-p(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce trample (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: tramp
especially : to tread heavily so as to bruise, crush, or injure
2
: to inflict injury or destruction especially contemptuously or ruthlessly
usually used with on, over, or upon
trampling on the rights of others

transitive verb

: to crush, injure, or destroy by or as if by treading
trampled the flowers
trample noun
trampler noun

Examples of trample in a Sentence

The workmen trampled on my flower bed. Her glasses were trampled underfoot by the crowd. Many people were trampled to death trying to escape the burning building. They are trampling on our rights. They are trampling our rights. Their most cherished traditions have been trampled.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Bears defense was trampled, to the tune of 213 rushing yards and its first game since Week 11 of last season allowing more than 21 points. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024 She was not shot; she was trampled as the crowd attempted to flee the scene of the shooting. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 There was also a ninth victim, who was not discussed at the press conference, according to the Orlando Police Department: That victim was a 26-year-old female who was trampled as people sought to escape. Alex Nitzberg, Fox News, 1 Nov. 2024 Barricades were toppled, glass was broken, and kids were trampled in the line. Dan Morrison, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trample 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, frequentative of trampen to tramp

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trample was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near trample

Cite this Entry

“Trample.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trample. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

trample

verb
tram·​ple ˈtram-pəl How to pronounce trample (audio)
trampled; trampling -p(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce trample (audio)
1
a
: to tramp or tread heavily so as to bruise, crush, or injure
cattle trampled on the young wheat
b
: to crush, injure, or destroy by or as if by treading
trampled the flowers
2
: to injure or harm by ruthless or heartless treatment
trampling on the right of others
trampler noun

More from Merriam-Webster on trample

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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