cope
1[ kohp ]
/ koʊp /
verb (used without object), coped, cop·ing.
to struggle or deal, especially on fairly even terms or with some degree of success (usually followed by with): I will try to cope with his rudeness.
to face and deal with responsibilities, problems, or difficulties, especially successfully or in a calm or adequate manner: After his breakdown he couldn't cope any longer.
Archaic. to come into contact; meet (usually followed by with).
verb (used with object), coped, cop·ing.
British Informal. to cope with.
Obsolete. to come into contact with; encounter.
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Nearby words
copartnership, copasetic, copay, copayment, copd, cope, copeck, copehan, copemate, copen, copenhagen
Origin of cope
11300–50; Middle English coupen < Anglo-French, Old French couper to strike, derivative of coup coup1
Related forms
cope·less, adjectivecope·less·ness, nounDefinition for cope (2 of 4)
cope
2[ kohp ]
/ koʊp /
noun
a long mantle, especially of silk, worn by ecclesiastics over the alb or surplice in processions and on other occasions.
any cloaklike or canopylike covering.
the sky.
a coping.
verb (used with object), coped, cop·ing.
to furnish with or as if with a cope or coping.
Origin of cope
2Definition for cope (3 of 4)
cope
3[ kohp ]
/ koʊp /
verb (used with object), coped, cop·ing.
Building Trades.
- to join (two molded wooden members) by undercutting the end of one of them to the profile of the other so that the joint produced resembles a miter joint (usually followed by in or together).
- to form (a joint between such members) in this way.
- to undercut the end of (a molded wooden member) in order to form a coped joint.
- to cut away (a flange of a metal member) so that it may be joined to another member at an angle.
Falconry. to clip or dull (the beak or talons of a hawk).
Origin of cope
3Definition for cope (4 of 4)
cope
4[ kohp ]
/ koʊp /
verb (used with object), coped, cop·ing. British.
to barter; trade; exchange.
Origin of cope
41400–50; late Middle English copen < Low German; compare Middle Dutch côpen to buy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for cope
British Dictionary definitions for cope (1 of 4)
cope
1/ (kəʊp) /
verb
(intr foll by with) to contend (against)
(intr) to deal successfully with or handle a situation; manageshe coped well with the problem
(tr) archaic
- to deal with
- to meet in battle
Word Origin for cope
C14: from Old French coper to strike, cut, from coup blow; see coup 1
British Dictionary definitions for cope (2 of 4)
cope
2/ (kəʊp) /
noun
a large ceremonial cloak worn at solemn liturgical functions by priests of certain Christian sects
any covering shaped like a cope
verb
(tr) to dress (someone) in a cope
Word Origin for cope
Old English cāp, from Medieval Latin cāpa, from Late Latin cappa hooded cloak; see cap
British Dictionary definitions for cope (3 of 4)
cope
3/ (kəʊp) /
verb (tr)
to provide (a wall) with a coping
to join (two moulded timber members)
noun
another name for coping
Word Origin for cope
C17: probably from French couper to cut; see cope 1
British Dictionary definitions for cope (4 of 4)
COPE
/ (kəʊp) /
n acronym for (in South Africa)
Congress of the People: a political party founded in 2008 by dissident members of the ANC
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medicine definitions for cope
cope
[ kōp ]
v.
To contend with difficulties with the intent to overcome them.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.