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 verb1 a: to move with a smooth sliding motion b: to move quietly and cautiously : steal c: elapse, pass2 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 : lapse4 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 smoothly5: to get speedily into or out of clothing <slipped into his coat>6: to fall off from a standard or accustomed level by degrees : decline7: sidesliptransitive verb1: to cause to move easily and smoothly : slide2 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 hauling6 a: to insert, place, or pass quietly or secretly b: to give or pay on the sly7: slink, abort8: dislocate <slipped his shoulder>9: to transfer (a stitch) from one needle to another without working a stitch10: to avoid (a punch) by moving the body or head quickly to one side