LEAP

[verb] [past:] leapt or [esp. US] leaped - to make a large jump or sudden movement, usually from one place to anotherHe tried to leap from an upstairs window. [I]The reporter leapt forward holding out her microphone. [I]The dog/man leapt (over) the gate into the field. [T; I + preposition]I saw him leap (up) from his chair and go to the window. [I]The girl leapt to hold the door open. [+ to infinitive](figurative) He leapt to his friend's defence (= quickly spoke to support his friend). [I]If your heart leaps you have a sudden strong feeling of pleasure or fear.My heart leapt as a dark shape slid across the path in front of me.Things which leap (up) increase, improve or grow very quickly.House prices will leap (up) in the spring.The children had leapt up (= grown much taller) since I last saw them.If you leap at something you are very eager to do it.When I offered her the job, she leapt at it.Something which leaps (out) at you is very noticeable.As I turned the page his picture leapt out at me.If something leaps to mind you immediately think of it.Your comments leapt to mind as I was trying to explain the problem to him.