1
a
: any of various large tailless semi-erect primates of Africa and southeastern Asia (such as the chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, or gibbon)
called also anthropoid, anthropoid ape
compare great ape
b
: monkey
especially
: one of the larger tailless or short-tailed Old World forms
—not used technically
2
a
: mimic
b
: a large uncouth person
aped; aping
: to copy closely but often clumsily and ineptly
aper
noun
1
: wildly excited or enthusiastic
Our family of ten was ape for apricots, passionate about peaches …—Jerry Nelson
—usually used in the phrase go apeKids go ape pointing out the location of the tiny otter on the big stage.—Dewayne Bevil
The odds of the Phillies winning a World Series increased exponentially and the betting world went ape.—Tommy Gartrell
2
: showing extreme or uncontrolled anger, aggression, or agitation
—usually used in the phrase go ape
They knew George Steinbrenner would go ape if the Yankees lost the highest-stakes game ever against the Red Sox.—Randy Miller
Also, don't scream at the top of your lungs or generally go ape. Screaming is for emergencies.—Jody Stallings
Winged things have spooked me ever since a duck went ape and attacked me at age 4 at the Bronx Zoo.—Alfred Lubrano
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share