sap
1[ sap ]
/ sæp /
noun
verb (used with object), sapped, sap·ping.
to drain the sap from.
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Origin of sap
1before 900; Middle English; Old English sæp; cognate with Dutch sap; akin to German Saft juice, Old Norse safi; in def. 5 a shortening of saphead
Words nearby sap
Definition for sapping (2 of 2)
sap2
[ sap ]
/ sæp /
noun
Fortification. a deep, narrow trench constructed so as to form an approach to a besieged place or an enemy's position.
verb (used with object), sapped, sap·ping.
Fortification.
- to approach (a besieged place or an enemy position) by means of deep, narrow trenches protected by gabions or parapets.
- to dig such trenches in (ground).
to undermine; weaken or destroy insidiously.
verb (used without object), sapped, sap·ping.
Fortification. to dig a sap.
Origin of sap
21585–95; < French sape (noun), derivative of saper to dig a trench < Italian zappare, a military term, based on zappa hoe (compare dialectal Italian zappo he-goat < ?)
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for sapping
British Dictionary definitions for sapping (1 of 4)
sap1
/ (sæp) /
noun
a solution of mineral salts, sugars, etc, that circulates in a plant
any vital body fluid
energy; vigour
slang a gullible or foolish person
another name for sapwood
verb saps, sapping or sapped (tr)
to drain of sap
Derived forms of sap
sapless, adjectiveWord Origin for sap
Old English sæp; related to Old High German sapf, German Saft juice, Middle Low German sapp, Sanskrit sabar milk juice
British Dictionary definitions for sapping (2 of 4)
sap2
/ (sæp) /
noun
a deep and narrow trench used to approach or undermine an enemy position, esp in siege warfare
verb saps, sapping or sapped
to undermine (a fortification, etc) by digging saps
(tr) to weaken
Word Origin for sap
C16 zappe, from Italian zappa spade, of uncertain origin; perhaps from Old Italian (dialect) zappo a goat
British Dictionary definitions for sapping (3 of 4)
SAP1
abbreviation for
South African Police
British Dictionary definitions for sapping (4 of 4)
SAP2
/ (sæp) /
n acronym for (in Britain)
Standard Assessment Procedure, the recognized performance indicator for measuring energy efficiency in buildings
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Scientific definitions for sapping
sap
[ săp ]
The watery fluid that circulates through a plant that has vascular tissues. Sap moving up the xylem carries water and minerals, while sap moving down the phloem carries water and food.
See cell sap.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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