I. ˈlēp verb
( leaped or leapt ˈlēpt also ˈlept ; leap·ing ˈlē-piŋ)
Etymology: Middle English lepen, from Old English hlēapan; 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 ˈlē-pər noun
II. noun
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : an act of leaping : spring , bound
b.
(1) : a place leaped over or from
(2) : the distance covered by a leap
2.
a. : a sudden passage or transition
a great leap forward
b. : a choice made in an area of ultimate concern
a leap of faith
•
- by leaps and bounds