Main Entry: ¹leap

Pronunciation: \ˈlēp\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): leaped or leapt \ˈlēpt also ˈlept\; leap·ing \ˈlē-piŋ\

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

Date: before 12th century

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