Sap

/sæp/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A watery fluid that circulates through a plant, consisting of water, sugar, and other substances.

The sap flows most freely in spring, when the tree is awakening after winter.

Vitality or energy; liveliness.

Youth is often associated with sap and vigor.

A person who is regarded as gullible or easily deceived.

Don't be such a sap; you can't believe everything you see on the internet.

verb

To gradually weaken or destroy the strength or energy of someone or something.

The long hours at work began to sap his energy.

To draw or take away a substance, especially liquid.

They need to sap the moisture from the walls to prevent mold growth.

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

sap up

To absorb or take in.

sap the strength of

To weaken someone or something.

sappy

Overly sentimental or emotional.

sapwood

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

A gullible or overly naive person.

He fell for that scam; what a sap!

To be overly sentimental.

She gets all sappy during romantic movies.