 |
| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | hleapan |
| |||||||||
leap1
past tense and past participle leapt especially British English, leaped especially American English
past tense and past participle leapt especially British English, leaped especially American English1
jump
a) [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to jump high into the air or to jump in order to land in a different place : She leapt over the fence. The smaller animals can easily leap from tree to tree.
She leapt over the fence.The smaller animals can easily leap from tree to tree.b) [transitive] literary to jump over something : Brenda leaped the gate and ran across the field.
Brenda leaped the gate and ran across the field.2 to move very quickly and with a lot of energy : I leapt up the stairs three at a time. He leapt out of bed.
move fast
[intransitive always + adverb/preposition]I leapt up the stairs three at a time.He leapt out of bed.3 to increase quickly and by a large amount [≠ tumble]
increase
[intransitive]4 to accept an opportunity very eagerly : I leapt at the chance of studying abroad.
leap at the chance/opportunity
I leapt at the chance of studying abroad.5 to quickly defend someone : When her younger brother was being bullied she leapt to his defence.
leap to somebody's defence
British English leap to somebody's defense American EnglishWhen her younger brother was being bullied she leapt to his defence.6 if your heart leaps, you feel a sudden surprise, happiness, or excitement : My heart leaped when I saw Paul at the airport.
heart
[intransitive] literaryMy heart leaped when I saw Paul at the airport.