Definition of "fillip" in English

noun

1. (archaic) The action of holding the tip of a finger against the thumb and then releasing it with a snap; a flick.

2. A sharp strike or tap made using this action, or (by extension) by other means.

3. (by extension) Something unimportant, a trifle; also, the brief time it takes to flick one's finger (see noun sense 1); a jiffy.

4. (by extension) Something that excites or stimulates.

   • This measure gave a fillip to the housing market.
   • The athlete’s victory provided a much-needed fillip for national pride.

verb

1. (transitive) To strike, project, or propel with a fillip (that is, a finger released quickly after being pressed against the thumb); to flick.

2. (transitive, by extension) To project quickly; to snap.

3. (transitive, by extension) To strike or tap smartly.

4. (transitive, figuratively) To drive as if by a fillip (noun sense 1); to excite, stimulate, whet.

   • The spicy aroma filliped my appetite.

5. (ambitransitive) To make a fillip (noun sense 1) (with the fingers).