n.
Pronunciation: ' slip
Function: verb
Inflected Form: slipped ; slip · ping
Etymology: Middle English slippen, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German; akin to Middle High German slipfen to slide, Old High German sl ī fan to smooth, and perhaps to Greek olibros slippery
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1 a : to move with a smooth sliding motion b : to move quietly and cautiously : STEAL c : ELAPSE , PASS
2 a (1) : to escape from memory or consciousness (2) : to become uttered through inadvertence b : to pass quickly or easily away : become lost <let an opportunity slip >
3 : to fall into error or fault : LAPSE
4 a : to slide out of place or away from a support or one's grasp b : to slide on or down a slippery surface < slip on the stairs> c : to flow smoothly
5 : to get speedily into or out of clothing < slipped into his coat>
6 : to fall off from a standard or accustomed level by degrees : DECLINE
7 : SIDESLIP
transitive verb
1 : to cause to move easily and smoothly : SLIDE
2 a : to get away from : ELUDE , EVADE < slipped his pursuers> b : to free oneself from <the dog slipped its collar> c : to escape from (one's memory or notice) <their names slip my mind>
3 : SHED , CAST <the snake slipped its skin>
4 : to put on (a garment) quickly ― usually used with on < slip on a coat>
5 a : to let loose from a restraining leash or grasp b : to cause to slip open : RELEASE , UNDO < slip a lock> c : to let go of d : to disengage from (an anchor) instead of hauling
6 a : to insert, place, or pass quietly or secretly b : to give or pay on the sly
7 : SLINK , ABORT
8 : DISLOCATE < slipped his shoulder>
9 : to transfer (a stitch) from one needle to another without working a stitch
10 : to avoid (a punch) by moving the body or head quickly to one side