noun / verb
spring
A sudden elastic leap or release.
With one quick spring, the cat lands on the windowsill.
Etymology
The older verb directly means leaping or bursting out. The noun names a sudden movement produced by stored or elastic force.
More examples
- The lid springs open when I press the button.
- A small spring keeps the latch under tension.
- Please don't spring any surprises on me today.
- His lawyer hopes to spring him from jail.
Forms
spring · springs · sprang · sprung · springing
springy adjective — Able to bounce back after pressure.