To completely eliminate something harmful or unwanted through decisive action
To completely get rid of something bad, like a problem or bad habit
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To completely eliminate or destroy something harmful, especially a problem, abuse, or social ill
"The new government promised to stamp out corruption within the civil service."
We must stamp out the cancer of violent extremism.
— David Cameron, UK Prime Minister, speech to UN General Assembly, September 2014
To extinguish a small fire or burning object by stamping on it with your foot
"He quickly stamped out the campfire before leaving the forest trail."
To cut or press out a shape from a material using a stamp or mould
"The factory machine stamps out hundreds of metal components per hour."
To stamp on something burning (a fire or cigarette) with your foot until it is extinguished — pressing it out of existence
To completely get rid of something bad, like a problem or bad habit
Very common in political speech, journalism, and public discourse. Often used about social problems, diseases, corruption, or criminal behaviour. Has strong, forceful connotations — suggests deliberate, energetic effort to eliminate something entirely. Also literally means to extinguish a fire or cigarette by stamping on it.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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