n.
Function: verb
Inflected Form: sapped ; sap · ping
Etymology: Middle French sapper, from Old Italian zappare, from zappa hoe
Date: 1598
intransitive verb : to proceed by digging a sap
transitive verb
1 : to subvert by digging or eroding the substratum or foundation : UNDERMINE
2 a : to gradually diminish the supply or intensity of < sapped her strength> b : to weaken or exhaust the energy or vitality of <the illness sapped him of his stamina>
3 : to operate against or pierce by a sap
synonyms see WEAKEN