bumper
To provide a protective buffer or cushion to an object or system to absorb impact or mitigate the effects of a shock. In a metaphorical sense, it refers to implementing measures that safeguard a process or entity against external volatility or negative pressures.
Examples
3 of 5The worker had to bumper the crate's corners with foam before shipping it overseas.
The worker had to bumper the crate's corners with foam before shipping it overseas.
The central bank attempted to bumper the economy against the impending recession by lowering interest rates.
The central bank attempted to bumper the economy against the impending recession by lowering interest rates.
You should bumper your phone with a heavy-duty case if you're prone to dropping it.
You should bumper your phone with a heavy-duty case if you're prone to dropping it.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'bumper' on a car: its job is to protect the car. To 'bumper' something is to give it that same kind of protection.
Quick Quiz
The government implemented new subsidies to ______ the agricultural sector against the falling global prices.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
The worker had to bumper the crate's corners with foam before shipping it overseas.
everydayThe worker had to bumper the crate's corners with foam before shipping it overseas.
The central bank attempted to bumper the economy against the impending recession by lowering interest rates.
formalThe central bank attempted to bumper the economy against the impending recession by lowering interest rates.
You should bumper your phone with a heavy-duty case if you're prone to dropping it.
informalYou should bumper your phone with a heavy-duty case if you're prone to dropping it.
The research suggests that certain social programs bumper vulnerable populations from the effects of systemic poverty.
academicThe research suggests that certain social programs bumper vulnerable populations from the effects of systemic poverty.
To bumper our supply chain risks, we have decided to source materials from multiple independent vendors.
businessTo bumper our supply chain risks, we have decided to source materials from multiple independent vendors.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
bumper-to-bumper
heavy traffic where cars are very close together
bumper crop
an unusually productive harvest
hit the bumper
to reach the limit of a protective barrier
Often Confused With
To bump is to hit something accidentally, whereas to bumper is to intentionally add protection or act as a cushion.
Usage Notes
While the noun form is very common, the verb form is specialized and often used in engineering, logistics, or metaphorically in economics to describe the act of adding a buffer.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the verb 'bump' when they mean 'bumper' in the context of providing protection, or they use 'bumper' when they simply mean 'to hit'.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'bumper' on a car: its job is to protect the car. To 'bumper' something is to give it that same kind of protection.
Word Origin
Derived from 'bump' (16th century), with the '-er' suffix; originally referred to a glass filled to the brim ('a bumping glass'), later evolving into the sense of something large or protective.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The government implemented new subsidies to ______ the agricultural sector against the falling global prices.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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