nip — to pinch or squeeze sharply
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to pinch or squeeze sharply
Pronunciation (IPA): /nɪp/
Example Sentences
- My dog likes to nip at my socks when I'm getting dressed.
- The teacher decided to nip the cheating scandal in the bud.
- I'll just nip to the store for some milk.
nip
VERB[/nɪp/]
to pinch or squeeze sharply
The puppy gave my finger a playful nip while I fed him.
Lost my grip, start to slip, so I nip the rope real quick!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'nippen' (14th century), likely from a Germanic root meaning 'to pinch or squeeze sharply.' The word has an onomatopoeic quality, mimicking the sound and quickness of a sharp, pinching action.
Breakdown
nip (Germanic root meaning 'to pinch sharply') - no clear prefix/suffix breakdown, but related to Dutch 'nijpen' and German 'kneipen'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My dog likes to nip at my socks when I'm getting dressed.”
“The teacher decided to nip the cheating scandal in the bud.”
“I'll just nip to the store for some milk.”
“The winter wind gave my nose a sharp nip.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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