⚖️ A difference 🕳️ An empty space ⏸️ A break period 🕳️ To make an opening

to gap

4 5.5

To make an opening or break in something

verb
/ɡæp/

: abrir un hueco en

The technician will gap the wires to prevent electrical interference.

Examples

To improve the design, she needed to gap the two sections for better visual separation.
Gap it!

2001 Maniacs (2005)
But did you know you can make a cut and close that gap with just one shortcut?
To fix it, I used some thin sea glue and a clam to force the gap to close.
But if you created the gap and there's no other money, then it's you're paying it.
He decided to gap the wall to allow for more airflow in the room.

Synonyms

to slit

vsto gap

104 2.8

To make a long narrow cut in something

creates openings of any shape, not only long narrow cuts

to open

vsto gap

48 1.0

To lead into another room or space

creates an opening rather than just providing passage

to breach

vsto gap

44 4.2

To make an opening in a wall or barrier

creates openings more generally, not only in walls or defenses

to fissure

vsto gap

1 7.2

To form long narrow cracks in rock or the ground

creates a distinct opening or break rather than many fine cracks

to chink

vsto gap

1 8.6

To make small cracks or narrow openings in something

creates openings that can be larger, not only tiny narrow cracks

Antonyms

to close

∞ 1.0

To shut something so it is not open

to fill

∞ 1.0

To make a place full by putting people or things into it

Phrasal Verbs

to bridge the gap

Informal

19 4.0

To make it easier for two groups or ideas to understand each other

to stand in the gap

1 7.1

Help or act for others when they need support

to fix the gap

1 2.5

Close a space between two things to stop air or light coming through

Compounds

gap between rich and poor

6 3.4

The difference in how much money and comfort rich and poor people have

generation gap

6 3.4

A difference in opinions and values between young people and their parents

trade gap

2 3.8

The difference between the value of a country's imports and exports over a time period

Cumberland Gap

1 6.8

A mountain pass between Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee used by early settlers to travel west

water gap

1 7.4

A narrow gap in a mountain ridge where a river flows

spark gap

Specialized

1 7.8

A device with a gap between metal parts where an electrical spark can jump

gap yah

Slang

1 9.9

A year taken after school before university when a young person travels or volunteers

wind gap

Specialized

9.6

A pass in a mountain ridge that once had a stream but is now dry

How Wide

to break open

47 2.1

to breach

44 4.2

to gap

4 5.5

to cut

∞ 1.0

to pierce

121 3.5

Surface Forms

gap infinitive

gapped past

gapped past participle

gapping present participle

gaps third person singular

Etymology

The verb gap comes from the same old word as gape, meaning to open or make space. So to gap a fence or roof is to make an opening or break in it.