wipe

Definition

To move an object over, maintaining contact, with the intention of removing some substance from the surface. (Compare rub.)

Etymology

From Middle English wipen, from Old English wīpian (“to wipe, rub, cleanse”), from Proto-West Germanic *wīpōn (“to wipe”), from Proto-Indo-European *weyp- (“to twist, wind around”). Cognate with German wippen (“to bob”), Swedish veva (“to turn, wind, crank”), Gothic 𐍅𐌴𐌹𐍀𐌰𐌽 (weipan, “to wreathe, crown”), Old English swīfan (“to revolve, sweep, wend, intervene”), Sanskrit वेपते (vépate, “to tremble”). More at swivel, swift.

Example Sentences

• "Melissa wiped her glasses with her shirt."
• "I wiped the sweat from my brow with the back of my hand."
• "Tom started to wipe his eyes."