leap

leap · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To jump or spring a long distance or to a great height.

  2. 2.

    A forceful jump or spring.

  3. 3.

    To move or act quickly and suddenly.

  4. 4.

    A sudden large increase or change.

Forms

plural: leaps

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    leap of faith — a decision made without full evidence
  • •
    leap year — a year with an extra day (February 29)
  • •
    look before you leap — think carefully before acting
  • •
    by leaps and bounds — very rapidly
  • •
    quantum leap — a sudden significant improvement

Related words

Antonyms: crawl, creep
See also: bound, jump, spring
Synonyms: bound, jump, spring, vault

Etymology

From Old English hleapan ("to jump, run, leap"), from Proto-Germanic hlaupaną. Related to German laufen ("to run") and Dutch lopen.