Meaning & Definition of word "Sap"

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    Sap

    /sæp/

    noun:

    • 1. A watery fluid that circulates through a plant, consisting of water, sugar, and other substances.
      • Example: The sap flows most freely in spring, when the tree is awakening after winter.
    • 2. Vitality or energy; liveliness.
      • Example: Youth is often associated with sap and vigor.
    • 3. A person who is regarded as gullible or easily deceived.
      • Example: Don't be such a sap; you can't believe everything you see on the internet.

    verb:

    • 1. To gradually weaken or destroy the strength or energy of someone or something.
      • Example: The long hours at work began to sap his energy.
    • 2. To draw or take away a substance, especially liquid.
      • Example: They need to sap the moisture from the walls to prevent mold growth.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old English saps, related to the act of drawing off liquid.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    sap up:

    To absorb or take in.

    sap the strength of:

    To weaken someone or something.

    Related Words

    sappy:

    Overly sentimental or emotional.

    sapwood:

    The younger, active part of a tree that transports nutrients.

    Slang Meanings of sap

    Meaning: A gullible or overly naive person.

    Example Sentence: He fell for that scam; what a sap!

    Meaning: To be overly sentimental.

    Example Sentence: She gets all sappy during romantic movies.