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sap

verb

/sæp/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of sap

To gradually weakening, depleting, or draining someone or something of energy, vitality, or strength.
"The monotony of daily routines can sap the joy out of life."

Detailed meaning of sap

When something or someone is sapped, their vigor or resources are diminished or exhausted over time. This can occur in a physical, emotional, or metaphorical sense. For example, a long and demanding day at work can sap an individual's energy and leave them feeling exhausted. Similarly, constant stress or difficult circumstances can sap a person's emotional well-being, leaving them drained and depleted. 'Sap' can also imply the act of gradually undermining or eroding something, such as sapping the foundations of a structure or sapping someone's confidence or morale. Overall, 'sap' conveys the idea of a gradual loss or depletion of vitality, strength, or resources, resulting in a weakened state.

Example sentences containing sap

1. The constant stress of work can sap your enthusiasm over time.
2. Negative thoughts can sap your motivation and hinder progress.
3. Chronic illness can slowly sap a person's physical strength.
4. Lack of sleep tends to sap one's cognitive abilities.
5. Endless meetings can sap productivity in the workplace.
6. Excessive screen time can sap your energy and focus.

History and etymology of sap

The verb 'sap' in the context of gradually weakening or depleting someone or something of energy, vitality, or strength has an interesting etymology. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'sæp' or 'seap,' which meant 'juice' or 'liquid.' This Old English term has Germanic origins, derived from the Proto-Germanic word '*sapô,' referring to the vital fluid found in plants and trees. Over time, 'sap' took on a metaphorical meaning, representing the idea of something being drained or depleted, akin to the way a tree's sap is gradually drawn away during certain processes. This metaphorical extension of the word's meaning led to its modern usage, where 'sap' describes the process of gradually weakening or depleting someone or something of their energy or strength, much like the gradual extraction of vital sap from a tree.

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Further usage examples of sap

1. Continuous rain can sap the joy out of outdoor activities.
2. Prolonged droughts can sap a region's water resources.
3. Financial troubles can sap the happiness from life.
4. Loneliness can sap one's emotional well-being.
5. Endless traffic jams can sap your patience.
6. Relentless criticism can sap someone's self-esteem.
7. Procrastination tends to sap your time and productivity.
8. Toxic relationships can sap your mental and emotional energy.
9. The winter cold can sap your body of warmth.
10. Overtraining can sap an athlete's strength and performance.
11. Neglect can gradually sap the vitality of a garden.
12. The never-ending chores can sap the fun out of weekends.
13. A lack of sunlight can sap your mood and energy.
14. Repetitive tasks can sap the creativity from your mind.
15. The hot weather can sap your energy quickly.
16. His constant complaints began to sap my enthusiasm for the project.
17. Lack of sleep can sap your ability to concentrate.
18. The prolonged illness started to sap her strength.
19. The financial crisis threatened to sap the company's resources.
20. Negative comments can sap someone's self-confidence.
21. The repetitive tasks at work can sap creativity and motivation.
22. The difficult hike in the mountains began to sap our energy.
23. The long hours of studying can sap a student's motivation.
24. The constant demands of parenting can sap your patience.
25. The continuous rain started to sap the morale of the camping trip.