whip

UK: wɪp | US: wɪp

Definition
  1. n. a flexible tool for striking or urging on animals

  2. vt. to strike with a whip; to move or remove suddenly

  3. vt. to beat (cream, eggs, etc.) into a froth

Structure

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Etymology

Derived from Old English hwippan ("to whip, flutter"), likely imitative of the sound of a swift motion. The word retained its core meaning of "striking tool" while expanding to include rapid actions (e.g., "whipping cream"). Germanic roots link it to Dutch wippen ("to swing") and German wippen ("to seesaw"), emphasizing quick, back-and-forth movement.

Examples
  1. The jockey cracked the whip to urge the horse forward.

  2. She whipped the cream until it formed stiff peaks.

  3. The wind whipped through the trees during the storm.

  4. He whipped out his phone to capture the moment.

  5. The senator vowed to whip the committee into shape.