leap

¹leap

verb \ˈlēp\

leaped or leapt\ˈlēpt also ˈlept\leap·ing\ˈlē-piŋ\

Definition of LEAP

intransitive verb

1

: to spring free from or as if from the ground : jump <leap over a fence> <a fish leaps out of the water>

2

a : to pass abruptly from one state or topic to another b : to act precipitately <leaped at the chance>

transitive verb

: to pass over by leaping <leaped the wall>

— leap·er \ˈlē-pər\ noun

Examples of LEAP

1. The cat suddenly leaped into the air.
2. Fish were leaping out of the water.
3. He leaped off the bridge.
4. The boys leaped over the stream.
5. The horse leaped the stone wall.
6. When the alarm went off, she leapt out of bed.

Origin of LEAP

Middle English lepen, from Old English hlēapan; akin to Old High German hlouffan to run

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to LEAP

Synonyms: bound, hop, jump, spring, vault

Related Words: bounce, hurdle, leapfrog, lope, skip; buck; caper, capriole, cavort, frolic, gambol, romp; attack, pounce; shoot, skyrocket

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Rhymes with LEAP

beep, bleep, cheap, cheep, creep, deep, heap, jeep, Jeep, keep, neap, neep, peep, reap, seep, sheep, sleep, steep, sweep, threap, veep, weep