Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense saps, present participle sapping, past tense, past participle sapped
1. verb
If something saps your strength or confidence, it gradually weakens or destroys it.
I was afraid the sickness had sapped my strength. [VERB noun]
Analysts say the recession has sapped investor confidence. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: weaken, drain, undermine, rob More Synonyms of sap
2. uncountable noun
Sap is the watery liquid in plants and trees.
The leaves, bark and sap are also common ingredients of local herbal remedies.
Synonyms: juice, essence, vital fluid, secretion More Synonyms of sap
3. countable noun
If you describe someone as a sap, you think they are foolish.
[informal, disapproval]
Some poor sap of a headmaster is in trouble.
More Synonyms of sap
sap in British English1
(sæp)
noun
1.
a solution of mineral salts, sugars, etc, that circulates in a plant
2.
any vital body fluid
3.
energy; vigour
4. derogatory, slang
a gullible or foolish person
5. another name for sapwood
verbWord forms: saps, sapping or sapped(transitive)
6.
to drain of sap
Derived forms
sapless (ˈsapless)
adjective
Word origin
Old English sæp; related to Old High German sapf, German Saft juice, Middle Low German sapp, Sanskrit sabar milk juice
sap in British English2
(sæp)
noun
1.
a deep and narrow trench used to approach or undermine an enemy position, esp in siege warfare
verbWord forms: saps, sapping or sapped
2.
to undermine (a fortification, etc) by digging saps
3. (transitive)
to weaken
Word origin
C16 zappe, from Italian zappa spade, of uncertain origin; perhaps from Old Italian (dialect) zappo a goat
SAP in British English1
abbreviation for
South African Police
SAP in British English2
(sæp)
noun acronym for(in Britain)
Standard Assessment Procedure: the recognized performance indicator for measuring energy efficiency in buildings
sap in American English1
(sæp)
noun
1.
the juice that circulates through a plant, esp. a woody plant, bearing water, food, etc. to the tissues
2.
any fluid vital to the life or health of an organism
3.
vigor; vitality
4. Slang
a stupid person; fool
verb transitiveWord forms: sapped or ˈsapping
5.
to drain of sap
Derived forms
sapless (ˈsapless)
adjective
Word origin
ME < OE sæp, akin to Ger saft < IE base *sab-, var. of *sap-, to taste, perceive > L sapere, to taste, know; (sense 4) < saphead
sap in American English2
(sæp)
noun
1.
an extended, narrow trench for approaching or undermining an enemy position or fortification
verb transitiveWord forms: sapped or ˈsapping
2.
to undermine by digging away foundations; dig beneath
3.
to undermine in any way; weaken; exhaust
verb intransitive
4.
to dig saps
5.
to approach an enemy's position by saps
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈweaken
Word origin
MFr sappe
sap in American English3
(sæp)
noun
1. US, Slang
a blackjack, short club, etc.
verb transitiveWord forms: sapped or ˈsapping US
2. Slang
to hit on the head, or knock out, with a sap
Word origin
prob. orig. contr. < sapling
Examples of 'sap' in a sentence
sap
They know what it is to be the poor sap on the receiving end.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
You have to look after yourself or his attitude will sap your confidence.
The Sun (2008)
It is easy to sap energy from the squad if you become negative.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Wear gloves to protect yourself against the milky sap.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Take care when pruning as the sap of this plant is very toxic.
The Sun (2012)
Trying on cheap ones would sap my will to live entirely.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
That could heighten concerns that austerity measures are sapping vigour from the economy.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Good luck to the poor sap who gets the job.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The economy is suffering from a lack of demand and this continues to sap confidence.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Forces beyond their control sap energy from once powerful local bodies.
Christianity Today (2000)
Wear gloves as the milky sap can cause skin irritations.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Forty gallons of sap will make one gallon of syrup.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Also the poor sap forced to wait for hours outside luxury hotels with engine running.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
They'll sap the life energy right out of you.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Perhaps his hair loss is symbolic, a sign of the sapping of his strength.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
They suck sap, gradually weakening the plant and leaving it prone to other pest and disease attacks.
The Sun (2010)
The report claims such tight planning restrictions are sapping the life out of some rural areas, leading to a haemorrhaging of local jobs and services.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Its hand has been forced by the eurozone crisis, which has sapped electricity demand and profits in Europe.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Word lists with
sap
terms used in botany
In other languages
sap
British English: sap VERB
If something saps your strength or confidence, it gradually weakens or destroys it.
I was afraid the sickness had sapped my strength.
American English: sap
Brazilian Portuguese: minar
Chinese: 消耗
European Spanish: minar
French: saper
German: zehren an
Italian: indebolire
Japanese: 活力を失わせる
Korean: > 빼다기력 등을
European Portuguese: minar
Latin American Spanish: minar
British English: sap NOUN
Sap is the watery liquid in plants and trees.
The leaves, bark and sap are also common ingredients of local herbal remedies.
American English: sap
Brazilian Portuguese: seiva
Chinese: 树汁
European Spanish: savia
French: sève
German: Saft
Italian: linfa
Japanese: 樹液
Korean: 수액
European Portuguese: seiva
Latin American Spanish: savia
Chinese translation of 'sap'
sap
(sæp)
n(u)
[of plants]汁 (zhī)
vt
to sap sb's strength/confidence使某人筋疲力尽(盡)/挫伤(傷)某人的自信心 (shǐ mǒurén jīn pí lì jìn/cuòshāng mǒurén de zìxìnxīn)
1 (noun)
Definition
a thin liquid that circulates in a plant, carrying food and water
The leaves, bark and sap are common ingredients of herbal remedies.
Synonyms
juice
the juice of about six lemons
essence
Some claim that Ireland's very essence is expressed through its language.
vital fluid
secretion
lifeblood
Coal and steel were the region's lifeblood.
plant fluid
2 (noun)
Definition
a gullible person
(slang)
He's always seemed a poor sap to me.
Synonyms
fool
She'd been a fool to accept the offer.
jerk (slang, mainly US, Canadian)
He'd tricked her into walking into the garbage, to make her look like a total jerk!
idiot
I knew I'd been an idiot to stay there.
noodle
wally (slang)
wet (British, informal)
charlie (British, informal, old-fashioned)
drip (informal)
gull (archaic)
prat (slang)
plonker (slang)
noddy (old-fashioned)
twit (informal)
a pompous twit who loved the sound of his own voice
chump (informal)
oaf (old-fashioned)
some oaf shouting into his phone
simpleton
He was a lightweight, a political simpleton.
nitwit (informal)
You great nitwit! What did you do that for?
ninny
nincompoop
Only a complete nincompoop would believe a story like that.
dweeb (US, slang)
putz (US, slang)
wuss (slang)
Simple Simon
weenie (US, informal)
muggins (British, slang)
eejit (Scottish, Irish)
thicko (British, slang)
dumb-ass (slang)
gobshite (Irish, taboo, slang)
numpty (Scottish, informal)
doofus (slang, mainly US)
nerd or nurd (slang)
numskull or numbskull
dorba or dorb (Australian, slang)
bogan (Australian, slang)
(verb)
Definition
to weaken or exhaust the strength or confidence of
I was afraid the sickness had sapped my strength.
Synonyms
weaken
Her opponents believe that her authority has been fatally weakened.
drain
Deficits drain resources from the pool of national savings.
undermine
This will undermine their chances of success.
rob
exhaust
The effort of speaking had exhausted him.
bleed (informal)
They mean to bleed the common people dry.
erode
His fumbling of the issue of reform has eroded his authority.
deplete
substances that deplete the ozone layer
wear down
enervate
devitalize
Additional synonyms
in the sense of bleed
Definition
to obtain money, etc., from (someone), esp. by extortion
They mean to bleed the common people dry.
Synonyms
extort,
milk,
squeeze,
drain,
exhaust,
fleece
in the sense of deplete
Definition
to use up (supplies or money)
substances that deplete the ozone layer
Synonyms
use up,
reduce,
drain,
exhaust,
consume,
empty,
decrease,
evacuate,
lessen,
impoverish,
expend,
bankrupt
in the sense of drain
Definition
to make constant demands on (energy or resources)
Deficits drain resources from the pool of national savings.
Synonyms
consume,
waste,
exhaust,
empty,
bleed,
deplete,
use up,
sap,
dissipate,
expend,
swallow up
Synonyms of 'sap'
sap
Explore 'sap' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of erode
Definition
to deteriorate or cause to deteriorate
His fumbling of the issue of reform has eroded his authority.
Synonyms
weaken,
destroy,
undermine,
diminish,
impair,
lessen,
wear away
in the sense of essence
Definition
the most important and distinctive feature of something, which determines its identity
Some claim that Ireland's very essence is expressed through its language.
Synonyms
fundamental nature,
nature,
being,
life,
meaning,
heart,
spirit,
principle,
soul,
core,
substance,
significance,
entity,
bottom line,
essential part,
kernel,
crux,
lifeblood,
pith,
quintessence,
basic characteristic,
quiddity
in the sense of exhaust
Definition
to tire out
The effort of speaking had exhausted him.
Synonyms
tire out,
tire,
fatigue,
drain,
weaken,
weary,
sap,
wear out,
debilitate,
prostrate,
enfeeble,
make tired,
enervate
in the sense of gull
Synonyms
dupe,
fool,
mug (slang),
sap (slang),
sucker (slang),
gudgeon (slang),
chump (informal),
simpleton,
babe in arms (informal),
putz (US, slang),
easy mark (slang)
in the sense of idiot
Definition
a foolish or senseless person
I knew I'd been an idiot to stay there.
Synonyms
fool,
jerk (slang, US, Canadian),
ass,
plank (British, slang),
charlie (British, informal, old-fashioned),
berk (British, slang),
prick (taboo, slang),
wally (slang),
prat (slang),
plonker (slang, old-fashioned),
twit (informal, British),
chump,
oaf (old-fashioned),
airhead (slang),
dimwit (informal),
dipstick (British, slang),
dickhead (taboo, slang),
gonzo (slang, rare),
schmuck (US, slang),
dork (slang),
nitwit (informal),
blockhead,
divvy (British, slang, rare),
pillock (British, slang),
halfwit,
nincompoop (old-fashioned),
dweeb (US, slang),
putz (US, slang),
eejit (Scottish, Irish),
thicko (British, slang),
dumb-ass (slang),
gobshite (Irish, taboo, slang),
dunderhead,
numpty (Scottish, informal),
doofus (slang, US),
lamebrain (informal),
fuckwit (taboo, slang),
mooncalf (rare),
numbskull or numskull,
galah (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
booby (old-fashioned),
coot (old-fashioned),
dickwit (taboo, slang),
dorba or dorb (Australian, slang),
bogan (Australian, slang),
dill (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
mampara (South Africa, informal)
in the sense of jerk
Definition
a stupid or ignorant person
He'd tricked her into walking into the garbage, to make her look like a total jerk!
Synonyms
idiot,
fool,
prick (taboo, slang),
wally (slang),
prat (slang),
plonker (slang),
coot,
moron (slang),
twit (informal, British),
plank (British, slang),
chump,
imbecile,
cretin,
oaf,
simpleton,
dimwit (informal),
dipstick (British, slang),
dickhead (taboo, slang),
gonzo (slang),
schmuck (US, slang),
dork (slang),
nitwit (informal),
divvy (British, slang),
pillock (British, slang),
halfwit,
nincompoop,
dweeb (US, slang),
putz (US, slang),
eejit (Scottish, Irish),
thicko (British, slang),
dumb-ass (slang),
gobshite (Irish, taboo, slang),
dunderhead,
numpty (Scottish, informal),
doofus (slang, US),
lamebrain (informal),
fuckwit (taboo, slang),
mooncalf,
dickwit (taboo, slang),
numbskull or numskull,
dorba or dorb (Australian, slang),
bogan (Australian, slang)
in the sense of lifeblood
Definition
something that is essential for existence, development, or success
Coal and steel were the region's lifeblood.
Synonyms
animating force,
life,
heart,
inspiration,
guts (informal),
essence,
stimulus,
driving force,
vital spark
in the sense of nincompoop
Definition
a stupid person
Only a complete nincompoop would believe a story like that.
Synonyms
idiot,
charlie (British, informal),
fool,
jerk (slang, US, Canadian),
plank (British, slang),
berk (British, slang),
noodle,
prick (taboo, slang),
wally (slang),
prat (slang),
plonker (slang),
coot,
twit (informal, British),
chump,
dunce,
oaf,
simpleton,
dimwit (informal),
dipstick (British, slang),
dickhead (taboo, slang),
gonzo (slang),
schmuck (US, slang),
dork (slang),
nitwit (informal),
dolt,
blockhead,
ninny,
divvy (slang),
pillock (British, slang),
dweeb (US, slang),
putz (US, slang),
fathead (informal),
eejit (Scottish, Irish),
thicko (British, slang),
dumb-ass (slang),
gobshite (Irish, taboo, slang),
numpty (Scottish, informal),
doofus (slang, US),
lamebrain (informal),
fuckwit (taboo, slang),
dickwit (taboo, slang),
numbskull or numskull,
dorba or dorb (Australian, slang),
bogan (Australian, slang)
in the sense of nitwit
Definition
a stupid person
You great nitwit! What did you do that for?
Synonyms
fool,
dummy (slang),
plank (British, slang),
oaf,
simpleton,
dimwit (informal),
dipstick (British, slang),
dickhead (taboo, slang),
dork (slang),
ninny,
divvy (slang),
halfwit,
nincompoop,
putz (US, slang),
eejit (Scottish, Irish),
thicko (British, slang),
gobshite (Irish, taboo, slang),
numpty (Scottish, informal),
doofus (slang, US),
lamebrain (informal),
fuckwit (taboo, slang),
dickwit (taboo, slang),
dorba or dorb (Australian, slang),
bogan (Australian, slang)
in the sense of oaf
Definition
a stupid or clumsy person
some oaf shouting into his phone
Synonyms
lout,
brute,
yob or yobbo (British, slang),
fool,
jerk (slang, US, Canadian),
idiot,
dummy (slang),
plank (British, slang),
berk (British, slang),
sap (slang),
gorilla (informal),
wally (slang),
booby,
prat (slang),
plonker (slang),
coot,
moron (slang),
goon,
twit (informal, British),
bonehead (slang),
dunce,
imbecile,
clod,
simpleton,
gawk,
airhead (slang),
dullard,
dipstick (British, slang),
dickhead (taboo, slang),
gonzo (slang),
schmuck (US, slang),
dork (slang),
nitwit (informal),
dolt,
bear,
charlie (British, informal),
blockhead,
divvy (British, slang),
pillock (British, slang),
halfwit,
nincompoop,
dweeb (US, slang),
putz (US, slang),
fathead (informal),
eejit (Scottish, Irish),
thicko (British, slang),
dumb-ass (slang),
gobshite (Irish, taboo, slang),
numpty (Scottish, informal),
doofus (slang, US),
galoot (slang, US),
fuckwit (taboo, slang),
lummox (informal),
dickwit (taboo, slang),
numbskull or numskull,
bumpkin,
boor,
churl,
clumsy idiot,
cougan (Australian, slang),
scozza (Australian, slang),
bogan (Australian, slang),
dorba or dorb (Australian, slang),
bogan (Australian, slang)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of simpleton
Definition
a foolish or stupid person
He was a lightweight, a political simpleton.
Synonyms
halfwit,
fool,
idiot,
charlie (British, informal),
goose (informal),
dope (informal),
jerk (slang, US, Canadian),
plank (British, slang),
berk (British, slang),
wally (slang),
booby,
coot,
moron (slang),
geek (slang),
twit (informal, British),
chump,
dunce,
imbecile (informal),
oaf,
dullard (old-fashioned),
jackass,
dipstick (British, slang),
dickhead (taboo, slang),
gonzo (slang),
schmuck (US, slang),
dork (slang),
nitwit (informal),
dolt,
blockhead,
greenhorn (informal),
ninny,
divvy (British, slang),
nincompoop,
dweeb (US, slang),
putz (US, slang),
fathead (informal),
Simple Simon,
weenie (US, informal),
eejit (Scottish, Irish),
thicko (British, slang),
dumb-ass (slang),
gobshite (Irish, taboo, slang),
numpty (Scottish, informal),
doofus (slang, US),
fuckwit (taboo, slang),
dickwit (taboo, slang),
numskull or numbskull,
twerp or twirp (informal),
dorba or dorb (Australian, slang),
bogan (Australian, slang)
in the sense of twit
Definition
a foolish or stupid person
a pompous twit who loved the sound of his own voice
Synonyms
fool,
idiot,
jerk (slang, US, Canadian),
charlie (British, old-fashioned),
dope (informal),
clown,
ass,
plank (British, slang),
berk (British, slang),
prick (slang, slang),
wally (slang),
prat (slang),
plonker (slang, old-fashioned),
chump (informal),
oaf (old-fashioned),
simpleton,
airhead (slang),
dipstick (British, slang),
dickhead (taboo, slang),
gonzo (slang, old-fashioned),
schmuck (US, slang),
dork (slang),
nitwit (informal),
blockhead,
ninny,
divvy (British, old-fashioned),
pillock (British, slang),
halfwit,
silly-billy (informal),
nincompoop,
dweeb (US, slang),
putz (US, slang),
weenie (US, informal),
eejit (Scottish, Irish),
thicko (British, slang),
dumb-ass (slang),
gobshite (Irish, taboo, slang),
numpty (Scottish, informal),
doofus (slang, US),
fuckwit (taboo, slang),
juggins (British, informal),
dickwit (taboo, slang),
numbskull or numskull,
twerp or twirp (informal),
dorba or dorb (Australian, slang),
bogan (Australian, slang)
in the sense of undermine
Definition
to weaken gradually or insidiously
This will undermine their chances of success.
Synonyms
damage,
weaken,
threaten,
hurt,
injure,
impair,
sap,
put the kibosh on (informal),
throw a spanner in the works of (British, informal)