■ verb ( past or past participle ~ed or ~t )
1》 jump or spring a long way.
↘jump across.
2》 move quickly and suddenly.
↘( ~ at ) accept (an opportunity) eagerly.
↘( ~ out ) (especially of writing) be conspicuous; stand out.
3》 (of a price or figure) increase dramatically.
■ noun
1》 an instance of ~ing; a forceful jump or quick movement.
2》 a sudden abrupt change or transition.
Phrases
a ~ in the dark a daring step or enterprise with unpredictable consequences.
by (or in ) ~s and bounds with startlingly rapid progress.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
OE hlēapan (v.), hlȳp (n.), of Gmc origin; related to lope .