gallop
/ˈɡæləp/
NOUN
1. Fastest gait of a horse
The fastest pace at which a horse or other four-legged animal runs, characterized by a series of rapid strides in which all four legs briefly leave the ground.
1.1. Horse's fastest running gait
The rapid, bounding movement of a horse when running at its highest natural speed.
Synonyms
- full gallop
- fast gait
Antonyms
- walk
- amble
- slow gait
Examples
- The horse broke into a gallop and raced across the open field.
Related Words
- canter
- trot
- lope
- stride
NOUN
2. Abnormal heart rhythm
An abnormal heart rhythm characterized by three or four heart sounds during a single heartbeat, resembling the rhythm of a horse's gallop.
2.1. Medical gallop rhythm
An additional heart sound that creates a distinctive galloping rhythm when the heart is examined with a stethoscope.
Synonyms
- gallop rhythm
Examples
- The physician detected a gallop during the patient's cardiac examination.
Related Words
- third heart sound
- fourth heart sound
- heart murmur
- cardiac rhythm
VERB
3. Run at a galloping pace
To move at the characteristic fast, bounding gait of a horse or another animal.
3.1. Horse or animal running
Running rapidly with the repeated, bounding strides characteristic of a gallop.
Synonyms
- race
- run
- charge
- lope
Antonyms
Examples
- The wild horses galloped across the plain.
Related Words
- canter
- trot
- bound
- prance
3.2. Riding at full speed
Riding a horse while it moves at its fastest natural gait.
Synonyms
- ride at full speed
- ride at a full gallop
Antonyms
- ride slowly
- walk
Examples
- The rider galloped toward the finish line.
Related Words
- horseback riding
- cantering
- riding at a trot
3.3. Causing an animal to gallop
Making or urging a horse or another animal to move at a galloping pace.
Synonyms
Examples
- The rider galloped the horse across the meadow.
Related Words
VERB
4. Move or travel very quickly
To move, run, or proceed at great speed, often with urgency or excitement.
4.1. Rushing or racing at high speed
Moving rapidly from one place to another, often with considerable energy or urgency.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The children galloped down the hallway to meet their friends.
Related Words
4.2. Proceed rapidly or carelessly
Moving through something quickly and often without sufficient attention, such as reading, examining, or completing a task.
Synonyms
- rush
- hurry
- race
- skim
Antonyms
Examples
- He galloped through the report without checking the details.
Related Words
- hasten
- speed through
- rush through
- glance over
VERB
5. Move violently due to wind
To sway or move violently up and down, especially when electrical or utility lines are affected by strong winds and ice accumulation.
5.1. Violent movement of power lines
Describes overhead electrical or utility lines oscillating or moving forcefully under the effects of wind and accumulated ice.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- stabilize
- remain still
Examples
- The power lines began to gallop during the severe winter storm.
Related Words
- wind-induced vibration
- line movement
- ice accumulation
VERB
6. Progress or develop rapidly
To advance or spread at an unusually fast rate, especially when describing an infection or disease.
6.1. Rapid progression of an infection
Describes an infection or illness advancing quickly through the body or worsening over a short period.
Synonyms
- progress rapidly
- advance
- spread
- accelerate
Antonyms
- slow
- stagnate
- recede
Examples
- The infection galloped through the patient's body before treatment began.
Related Words
- develop
- worsen
- escalate
- proliferate