n.
Function: verb
Inflected Form: dropped ; drop · ping
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1 : to fall in drops
2 a (1) : to fall unexpectedly or suddenly (2) : to descend from one line or level to another b : to fall in a state of collapse or death c of a card : to become played by reason of the obligation to follow suit d of a ball : to fall or roll into a hole or basket
3 : to enter or pass as if without conscious effort of will into some state, condition, or activity < dropped into sleep>
4 a : to cease to be of concern : LAPSE <let the matter drop > b : to pass from view or notice : DISAPPEAR ― often used with out < drop out of sight> c : to become less <production dropped > ― often used with off
5 : to move with a favoring wind or current ― usually used with down
transitive verb
1 : to let fall : cause to fall
2 a : GIVE UP 2 , ABANDON < drop an idea> < drop the charges> b : DISCONTINUE < dropped what she was doing> c : to break off an association or connection with : DISMISS < drop a failing student>
3 a : to utter or mention in a casual way < drop a suggestion> < drop names> b : WRITE < drop us a line soon>
4 a : to lower or cause to descend from one level or position to another b : to cause to lessen or decrease : REDUCE < dropped his speed>
5 of an animal : to give birth to
6 a : LOSE < dropped three games> < dropped $50 in a poker game> b : SPEND < drop $20 for lunch> c : to get rid of < dropped 20 pounds>
7 a : to bring down with a shot or a blow b : to cause (a high card) to fall c : to toss or roll into a hole or basket < drop a putt>
8 a : to deposit or deliver during a usually brief stop ― usually used with off < drop the kids off at school> b : AIR-DROP
9 : to cause (the voice) to be less loud
10 a : to leave (a letter representing a speech sound) unsounded < drop the g in running > b : to leave out in writing : OMIT
11 : to draw from an external point < drop a perpendicular to the line>
12 : to take (a drug) orally : SWALLOW < drop acid>
– drop · pa · ble \ ' drä-p ə -b ə l \ adjective
– drop a dime : to inform authorities (as police) of another's wrongdoing
– drop behind : to fail to keep up
– drop the ball : to make a mistake especially by failing to take timely, effective, or proper action