English Dictionary

Definition of “fillip

fillip (ˈfɪlɪpPronunciation for fillip

Definitions

noun

  1. something that adds stimulation or enjoyment
  2. the action of holding a finger towards the palm with the thumb and suddenly releasing it outwards to produce a snapping sound
  3. a quick blow or tap made by a finger snapped in this way

verb

  1. (tr) to stimulate or excite
  2. (tr) to strike or project sharply with a fillip
  3. (intr) to make a fillip

Word Origin

C15 philippe, of imitative origin

Usage examples

  • But whereas, before, sadness had been a bond, an added fillip to lust, that night it was a dead, unspoken thing.
    Forbes, Bryan, The Endless Game (1986)
  • Of course, it has neither found its way into official statistics nor has it provided a fillip to sagging business sentiment.
    Business Today (1998)
  • The latter, of course, should receive a fillip from the tragic events in Asia.
    The Australian (2005)
  • Ansett's demise is a fillip for Qantas, Australia's largest airline.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)
  • Just to give him a fillip when everything was getting him down.
    Will Buckley, THE MAN WHO HATED FOOTBALL (2004)

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