whoompf, int. (n.)
(hwʊm(p)f)
Also whoomph, etc.
[Echoic.]
(Expressing) a sudden, violent rushing sound, as when a quantity of flammable material bursts into flame. Cf. the synonymous woomph int. (n., adv.)
| 1958 ‘W. Henry’ Seven Men at Mimbres Springs xv. 170 Then whoomff! land on it with all fours. 1962 John o' London's 6 Dec. 527/2 The whole place goes up in flames.., whoomph. 1973 D. Lees Rape of Quiet Town vii. 122 A rending crash of metal and a whoompf of flame. 1983 J. Mann No Man's Island xi. 145 Check for gas leaks. Light a match and—whoomph. |