DictionarystumpHeavy walking
verb

stump

To walk with heavy or awkward steps.

The tired hiker stumps along the rocky trail.

Etymology

The walking sense evokes the heavy, blunt movement associated with a stump-like support. It describes awkward, forceful steps rather than light movement.

More examples

  • He stumped down the hallway.
  • They are stumping through the mud.
  • She had stumped away without speaking.

Forms

stump · stumps · stumped · stumping

Similar words

tramp
Emphasizes firm, heavy steps over some distance.
lumber
Suggests heavy, clumsy movement of the whole body.