leap

leap [lēp]

vi.

leapt [lept, lēpt] or leaped, leaping [ME lepen < OE hleapan, akin to MDu lopen, Ger laufen]

1. to move oneself suddenly from the ground, etc. by using one's leg muscles; jump; spring

2. to move suddenly or swiftly, as if by jumping; bound

3. to accept eagerly something offered: with at [to leap at a chance]

vt.

1. to pass over by a jump

2. to cause or force to leap [to leap a horse over a wall]

n.

1. the act of leaping; jump; spring

2. the distance covered in a jump

3. a place that is, or is to be, leapt over or from

4. a sudden transition

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by leaps and bounds

very rapidly

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leap in the dark

an act that is risky because its consequences cannot be foreseen

leaper

n.