n.
Pronunciation: ' l ē p
Function: verb
Inflected Form: leaped or leapt \ ' l ē pt also ' lept \ ; leap · ing \ ' l ē -pi ŋ \
Etymology: Middle English lepen, from Old English hl ē apan; akin to Old High German hlouffan to run
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1 : to spring free from or as if from the ground : JUMP < leap over a fence> <a fish leap s out of the water>
2 a : to pass abruptly from one state or topic to another b : to act precipitately < leap ed at the chance>
transitive verb : to pass over by leaping < leap ed the wall>
– leap · er \ ' l ē -p ə r \ noun