leapfrog

[leep-frog, -frawg]

leapfrog Definition

  • 1a children's game in which players take turns in leaping over another player bent over from the waist.
  • 2to move ahead of or beyond (someone or something) in a very quick or sudden way
  • 3to improve one's position by bypassing or overtaking another

Using leapfrog: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "leapfrog" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The company leapfrogged its competitors with a new technology.

  • Example

    He leapfrogged over the fence to get into the garden.

  • Example

    The athlete leapfrogged his opponent to win the race.

leapfrog Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for leapfrog

  • fall behind
  • lag behind

Phrases with leapfrog

  • leapfrog over someone/something

    to move ahead of or beyond (someone or something) in a very quick or sudden way

    Example

    The company leapfrogged over its competitors with a new technology.

  • play leapfrog

    to play the children's game of leapfrog

    Example

    The kids were playing leapfrog in the park.

  • the phenomenon where a developing country skips certain stages of development and moves directly to more advanced stages

    Example

    The leapfrogging effect can be seen in some African countries that have adopted mobile banking without having traditional banking infrastructure.

Origins of leapfrog

from Middle English 'lythfroge', meaning 'a game played by children'

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Summary: leapfrog in Brief

The verb 'leapfrog' [leep-frog, -frawg] has three main definitions: a children's game, moving ahead of someone or something in a quick or sudden way, and improving one's position by bypassing or overtaking another. Examples include 'The company leapfrogged its competitors with a new technology.' and 'The athlete leapfrogged his opponent to win the race.' The phrase 'leapfrog over someone/something' denotes a sudden advancement, while the 'leapfrogging effect' refers to a developing country skipping certain stages of development.

How do native speakers use this expression?