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to stump

to stump

12 7.9
To travel around an area making political speeches
  • verb
  • /stʌmp/
  • US
translation icon : hacer campaña
  • The Republican governor spent the past year crisscrossing the country to stump for Romney, a Republican.
  • stump for a candidate
  • stump for president
  • stump during a campaign

And we know this because every single candidate that Donald Trump stumps for and endorses has said that they want a federal abortion ban.

Examples

  • Running mate Paul Ryan today starts off an Ohio bus tour by stumping in Lima at 3:10 PM ET.

    Blog text (13)
  • And we know this because every single candidate that Donald Trump stumps for and endorses has said that they want a federal abortion ban.

  • I think I speak for a lot of people when I say go stump for yourself.

  • - You want me to stump for you.

  • I'll stump the country and let the people know exactly what's at stake.

  • Any time someone comes by stumping for a city council post, it's the first thing I mention.

    Blog text (23)
  • With time running out, candidates use celebrities and other politicians to stump for them in swing states.

    Blog text (31)
  • That was the president stumping in Nebraska today.

  • Romney joins him in Vandalia on Tuesday, and then the presidential nominee stumps in Westerville and Toledo on Wednesday.

    Blog text (13)
  • Candidates from different parties will stump across the region this week to share their plans with voters.

Synonyms

to barnstorm
vsto stump
  • Literature
4 8.4

To travel to small towns to perform shows or give speeches

travels to speak during a campaign without the energetic showmanship
to whistlestop
vsto stump
  • Literature
8.9

To travel between towns by train, stopping briefly to speak to voters

travels around a district giving speeches without relying on train stops

Antonyms

466 2.8

To stop taking part in a place or activity

Idioms

1 9.9

Far from towns and cities, often in the Australian outback

Compounds

stump speech
  • Literature
14 6.5

A talk a politician gives many times during a campaign about their main plans

7 1.8

A short part of a tree that remains in the ground after it is cut down

stump spud
  • Specialized
9.9

A small sharp hand shovel with a pointed blade for digging out roots and weeds

Water mixed with rotten wood and dirt that is unsafe to drink

How Active

to barnstorm
  • Literature
4 8.4
to stump
  • US
12 7.9
tour
819 1.0
to address
  • Formal
236 4.4
to speak
  • Formal
3.2

Surface Forms

stump infinitive
stumped past
stumped past participle
stumping present participle
stumps third person singular

Etymology

To stump as a verb for giving political speeches comes from speakers standing on tree stumps to address crowds, and campaigners would move from place to place 'stumping' towns. That's why to stump around a region means to travel and speak to many people.