verb

lamp

To hit someone hard.

The fighter steps forward and lamps his opponent in the jaw.

Etymology

Probably an alteration of lam, perhaps influenced by lump. The hitting verb is separate from the light-source word.

More examples

  • He threatens to lamp anyone who touches his bike.
  • She lamped the attacker and ran toward the crowd.
  • One player gets suspended for lamping another after the game.

Forms

lamp · lamps · lamped · lamping

Similar words

punch
Specifies a closed fist, rather than any hard hit.
smack
Usually means hitting with an open hand, often noisily.