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flip (flĭp)
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v. flipped, flip·ping, flips
v.tr.
1.
a. To throw or toss with a light brisk motion: flipped the ball to the pitcher.
b. To toss in the air, imparting a spin: flip a coin.
2.
a. To cause to turn over or around, especially with a light quick motion: flip over a card; flipped the pancake with a spatula.
b. To turn through (papers, for example); leaf: flipped the pages of the report.
3.
a. To strike quickly or lightly; flick: flipped me on the shoulder with his finger.
b. To move or act on with a quick motion: flip a switch; flipped open her briefcase.
4. To change or reverse (one's position or attitude).
5. To buy and resell (a house, for example) in a short period of time for a profit.
v.intr.
1.
a. To turn over from one side to another or end over end: The canoe flipped over.
b. To turn a somersault, especially in the air.
2.
a. To move up and down in twists and turns: fish flipping about in the net.
b. To move quickly and lightly; snap: The lid flipped open.
3. To leaf; browse: flipped through the catalogue.
4. To change one's mind, especially on a political position.
5. Slang
a. To go crazy.
b. To react strongly and especially enthusiastically: I flipped over the new car.
n.
1. The act of flipping, especially:
a. A flick or tap.
b. A short, quick movement: a flip of the wrist.
c. A somersault.
2. Informal A reversal; a flipflop.
3. A mixed drink made with any of various alcoholic beverages and often including beaten eggs.
adj. flip·per, flip·pest
Informal
Marked by casual disrespect; impertinent: a flip answer to a serious question.
Phrasal Verb:
flip out
1. To react strongly; become excited, upset, or angry.
2. To go crazy; have a mental breakdown.
Idioms:
flip (one's) lid Slang
1. To react strongly, as with anger or enthusiasm.
2. To go crazy.
flip (someone) off
Slang To make an obscene gesture toward (someone); give the finger to.
[Perhaps imitative.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

    Indo-European Roots

    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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