slʌmp n. & v. --n. 1 a
sudden severe or prolonged
fall in prices or values of commodities or securities. 2 a
sharp or sudden
decline in
trade or
business usu. bringing
widespread unemployment. 3 a lessening of
interest or
commitment in a
subject or
undertaking. --v.intr. 1
undergo a slump;
fail; fall in
price. 2
sit or fall heavily or limply (slumped
into a chair). 3 lean or
subside. [17th
c., orig. 'sink in a bog': imit.]