I. ˈwīp verb
( wiped ; wip·ing )
Etymology: Middle English wipen, from Old English wīpian; akin to Old High German wīfan to wind around, Latin vibrare to brandish, and probably to Old Norse veipa to be in movement, Sanskrit vepate it trembles
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to rub with or as if with something soft for cleaning
b. : to clean or dry by rubbing
c. : to draw, pass, or move for or as if for rubbing or cleaning
wiped his hand across his brow
2.
a. : to remove by or as if by rubbing
wipe the spots off the glass
b. : to expunge completely
wipe from memory the gruesome scenes — American Guide Series: Delaware
3. : to spread by or as if by wiping
intransitive verb
: to make a motion of or as if of wiping something
•
- wipe one's boots on
- wipe the floor with
II. noun
Date: 1550
1.
a. : blow , strike
b. : jeer , gibe
2.
a. : an act or instance of wiping
b. : a transition from one scene or picture to another (as in movies or television) made by a line moving across the screen
3. : something (as a towel) used for wiping