leap

verb (past or past participle leaped /liːpt, lɛpt/ or leapt /lɛpt/)

• 1jump or spring a long way, to a great height, or with great force:he leapt on to the parapet figurativeFabia’s heart leapt excitedly
• [with object] jump across:Peter leapt the last few stairs

• 2move quickly and suddenly:Polly leapt to her feet
• make a sudden rush to do something; act eagerly and suddenly:everybody leapt into action
• (leap at) accept (an opportunity) eagerly:they leapt at the opportunity to combine fun with fund-raising
• (of a price, amount, etc.) increase dramatically:sales leapt by a third last year
• (leap out) (especially of writing) be conspicuous; stand out:amid the notes, a couple of items leap out

noun

• a forceful jump or quick movement:she came downstairs in a series of flying leaps
• a dramatic increase in price, amount, etc.:a leap of 75 per cent in two years
• a sudden abrupt change or transition:it doesn’t take a great leap of imagination to recognize that you have held an important leadership role
• [in place names] a thing to be leaped over or from:Lover’s Leap