Main Entry: ¹slip

Pronunciation: \ˈslip\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): slipped; slip·ping

Etymology: Middle English slippen, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German; akin to Middle High German slipfen to slide, Old High German slīfan to smooth, and perhaps to Greek olibros slippery

Date: 14th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to move with a smooth sliding motion b : to move quietly and cautiously : steal c : elapse, pass
2 a (1) : to escape from memory or consciousness (2) : to become uttered through inadvertence b : to pass quickly or easily away : become lost <let an opportunity slip>
3 : to fall into error or fault : lapse
4 a : to slide out of place or away from a support or one's grasp b : to slide on or down a slippery surface <slip on the stairs> c : to flow smoothly
5 : to get speedily into or out of clothing <slipped into his coat>
6 : to fall off from a standard or accustomed level by degrees : decline
7 : sidesliptransitive verb 1 : to cause to move easily and smoothly : slide
2 a : to get away from : elude, evade <slipped his pursuers> b : to free oneself from <the dog slipped its collar> c : to escape from (one's memory or notice) <their names slip my mind>
3 : shed, cast <the snake slipped its skin>
4 : to put on (a garment) quickly —usually used with on <slip on a coat>
5 a : to let loose from a restraining leash or grasp b : to cause to slip open : release, undo <slip a lock> c : to let go of d : to disengage from (an anchor) instead of hauling
6 a : to insert, place, or pass quietly or secretly b : to give or pay on the sly
7 : slink, abort
8 : dislocate <slipped his shoulder>
9 : to transfer (a stitch) from one needle to another without working a stitch
10 : to avoid (a punch) by moving the body or head quickly to one side