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stomp out

B2 neutral separable transitive

To extinguish something by treading on it, or to eradicate a problem or undesirable thing completely.

In plain English

To put out a fire by stepping on it, or to completely get rid of a problem.

What does "stomp out" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B1 neutral

To extinguish a small fire or burning object by pressing the foot down on it.

"He stomped out his cigarette on the pavement before entering the building."

separable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To eliminate or completely get rid of a problem, practice, or undesirable thing.

"The new laws were designed to stomp out corruption at every level of government."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To extinguish a fire by pressing one's foot down on it.

Actually means

To put out a fire by stepping on it, or to completely get rid of a problem.

Usage tip

Used literally (e.g., stomping out a cigarette or small fire) and figuratively (stamping out crime, disease, injustice). Figuratively, it implies forceful and complete elimination. Common in news headlines.

Words that pair with "stomp out"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

fire cigarette crime corruption disease injustice

How to conjugate "stomp out"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
stomp out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stomps out
he/she/it
Past simple
stomped out
yesterday
Past participle
stomped out
have + pp
-ing form
stomping out
continuous

Hear "stomp out" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "stomp out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

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