Main Entry: ¹jam

Pronunciation: \ˈjam\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): jammed; jam·ming

Etymology: origin unknown

Date: 1706

intransitive verb 1 a : to become blocked or wedged b : to become unworkable through the jamming of a movable part
2 : to force one's way into a restricted space
3 : to take part in a jam session
4 : dunk 2transitive verb 1 a : to press into a close or tight position <jam his hat on> b (1) : to cause to become wedged so as to be unworkable <jam the typewriter keys> (2) : to make unworkable by jamming c : to block passage of : obstruct d : to fill often to excess : pack <the crowd jammed the theater>
2 : to push forcibly; especially : to apply (brakes) suddenly and forcibly —used with on
3 : crush, bruise
4 a : to make unintelligible by sending out interfering signals or messages b : to make (as a radar apparatus) ineffective by jamming signals or by causing reflection of radar waves
5 : to block, crowd, or bump (a pass receiver) near the line of scrimmage in football
6 : to pitch inside to (a batter)

— jam·mer \ˈja-mər\ noun