Definition of stamp

The word "stamp" has its origins in the 14th century, derived from the Old Norse word "stampa," which means "to stamp or tread underfoot." This Norse word is thought to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*stampiz," which was likely imitative of the sound of stamping or pressing. In the earliest sense, the word "stamp" referred to the act of treading or pressing something underfoot, such as grapes to extract juice. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include other senses, such as the act of impressing a design or mark onto a surface, such as a physical stamp or a stamp on a document. In the 19th century, the term " postage stamp" emerged, referring to a small piece of adhesive paper used to mark and prepay postage on mail. Today, the word "stamp" is used in a wide range of contexts, including philately, sociology, and even psychology, where it refers to the process of reinforcing or affirming an idea or concept.