fillip

[ fil-uhp ]

/ ˈfɪl əp /

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See synonyms for fillip on Thesaurus.com

noun

an act or instance of striking something with the nail of a finger snapped from the end of a thumb; a smart tap or stroke.

anything that tends to rouse, excite, or revive; a stimulus: Praise is an excellent fillip for waning ambition.

verb (used with object)

to strike with a fillip.

to tap or strike smartly.

to drive by or as by a fillip: Anticipation filliped his passion.

verb (used without object)

to make a fillip with the fingers.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of fillip

First recorded in 1525–35; late Middle English filip, fylippe, philippe “to make a signal or sound with thumb and right forefinger”; expressive word of uncertain origin

Words nearby fillip

filleting, fillet weld, fill-in, filling, filling station, fillip, fillipeen, fillister, fillister head, fill light, Fillmore

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use fillip in a sentence

His administration touted the move as “a fillip to the economy,” but it should help him politically, too.
The Modi government’s Diwali gift to furious Indians is lower fuel taxes|Ananya Bhattacharya|November 4, 2021|Quartz
She could not wait to see her little son Fillip and “was dying to take a shower,” she said.
Pussy Riot Roars Out of Prison|Anna Nemtsova|December 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
There was a brief fillip in the afternoon when it was reported that Obama and Boehner had spoken on the phone.
Fiscal Cliff Standoff: Day 29, Democrats Enter Hostile Territory|Daniel Gross|December 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The fillip given would have been far, far greater than that which the mere numbers (1,200 for the Division) would seem to imply.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton

This was quite an event, and gave a fillip to the inertness of Madame de Fontanges, whose curiosity was excited.
Newton Forster|Captain Frederick Marryat
This was a pleasant fillip to me, who am just now ready to be dispirited on the slightest pretext.
George Eliot's Life, Vol. I (of 3)|George Eliot
I tell you this, sir: I 'd rather a man would give me a fillip on the nose than talk to me about luck.
Paul Gosslett's Confessions in Love, Law, and The Civil Service|Charles James Lever
And if necessary to give a fillip to languishing competition, do so by a concession in rates.
Railroads: Rates and Regulations|William Z. Ripley

British Dictionary definitions for fillip

fillip

/ (ˈfɪlɪp) /

noun

something that adds stimulation or enjoyment

the action of holding a finger towards the palm with the thumb and suddenly releasing it outwards to produce a snapping sound

a quick blow or tap made by a finger snapped in this way

verb

(tr) to stimulate or excite

(tr) to strike or project sharply with a fillip

(intr) to make a fillip

Word Origin for fillip

C15 philippe, of imitative origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

fillip

Origin of fillip

Words nearby fillip

Words related to fillip

How to use fillip in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for fillip

Word Origin for fillip