limp Hear it!

limp1 definition

limp (limp)

intransitive verb

  1. to walk with or as with a lame or partially disabled leg
  2. to move or proceed unevenly, jerkily, or laboriously, as because of being impaired, defective, damaged, etc.

Etymology: ME lympen < OE limpan, to befall, occur (in a specialized sense, to walk lamely), akin to MHG limpfen, to walk with a limp, OHG limfan, to befall, happen < IE *(s)lemb- < base *leb-, to hang down, be limp > slump, MHG lumpe, rag, L labor, limbus

noun

a halting gait or lameness in walking

Related Forms:

limp2 definition

limp (limp)

adjective

  1. lacking or having lost stiffness or body; flaccid, drooping, wilted, etc.
  2. lacking firmness, energy, or vigor
  3. flexible, as the binding of some books

Etymology: < base of limp, akin to MHG lampen, to hang limply

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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