wipe

¹wipe

verb \ˈwīp\

wipedwip·ing

Definition of WIPE

transitive verb

1

a : to rub with or as if with something soft for cleaning b : to clean or dry by rubbing c : to draw, pass, or move for or as if for rubbing or cleaning <wiped his hand across his brow>

2

a : to remove by or as if by rubbing <wipe the spots off the glass> b : to expunge completely <wipe from memory the gruesome scenes — American Guide Series: Delaware>

3

: to spread by or as if by wiping

intransitive verb

: to make a motion of or as if of wiping something

— wipe one's boots on

: to treat with indignity

— wipe the floor with or wipe the ground with

: to defeat decisively

Examples of WIPE

1. Would you wipe the dishes?
2. She wiped her eyes with a tissue.
3. We were wiping the spots from the wine glasses.
4. He wiped his hand across his forehead.

Origin of WIPE

Middle English wipen, from Old English wīpian; akin to Old High German wīfan to wind around, Latin vibrare to brandish, and probably to Old Norse veipa to be in movement, Sanskrit vepate it trembles

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with WIPE

Cuyp, gripe, hype, pipe, ripe, snipe, stipe, stripe, swipe, tripe, type