trample

verb

tram·​ple ˈtram-pəl 

trampled; trampling ˈtram-p(ə-)liŋ 

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

ˈtram-p(ə-)lər 

noun

Synonyms

• champ
• stamp
• stomp
• tramp
• tromp

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

Another person was hospitalized after being trampled on while trying to run to safety, Bain said. —Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024

Eight other people were injured in the incident: six by gunshot wounds and another who was trampled as the crowd frantically fled from the shots. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

And at some point around mid-festival, my constitution turns to mush and my brain feels trampled by all these serious, artistic, daring, often incredibly exciting films. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2024

At the stadium, Quintero sustained significant external injuries — and potential internal injuries — from being trampled, squished and shoved by the crowd, Rosen said. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 19 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, frequentative of trampen to tramp

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

trample

verb

tram·​ple ˈtram-pəl 

trampled; trampling -p(ə-)liŋ 

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

-p(ə-)lər 

noun