napping
/ˈnæpɪŋ/
NOUN
1. The act of sleeping for a short period
The act of taking a brief period of sleep, especially during the daytime, to rest or regain energy.
1.1. Brief daytime sleep
A short period of sleep taken during the day, usually to relieve tiredness or refresh oneself.
Synonyms
- dozing
- snoozing
- catnapping
- slumbering
- nodding off
- taking forty winks
- getting shut-eye
- resting
Antonyms
- wakefulness
- sleeplessness
- alertness
Examples
- The cat is quietly napping on the sunlit windowsill.
- After a busy morning, she found comfort in napping on the sofa.
- The toddler started napping during the car ride.
Related Words
- sleeping
- siesta
- drowsing
- reposing
- relaxing
- catnap
- power nap
NOUN
2. The state of being inattentive or off guard
A state of insufficient alertness or vigilance that leaves someone unprepared for an unexpected event.
2.1. Lack of alertness or vigilance
A condition of being inattentive, unaware, or insufficiently watchful, particularly when someone should be alert.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- alertness
- attentiveness
- vigilance
- watchfulness
- awareness
Examples
- The security team's napping allowed the intruders to enter unnoticed.
- The opposing team took advantage of the defense's napping.
- The manager's napping during the negotiations led to an unexpected setback.
Related Words
- carelessness
- negligence
- distraction
- unpreparedness
- absent-mindedness
NOUN
3. The process of raising a soft or fuzzy surface on fabric
The act or process of raising short fibers on the surface of cloth or leather to produce a soft, fuzzy texture.
3.1. Raising fibers on textiles
A textile-finishing process in which the fibers on a fabric surface are raised to create a soft pile or fuzzy finish.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- smoothing
- flattening
Examples
- Napping gives the fabric a soft and warm surface.
- The textile manufacturer uses napping to improve the material's texture.
- The napping process creates a fuzzy finish on the wool fabric.
Related Words
- textile finishing
- fuzzing
- piling
- fabric brushing
- surface treatment
VERB
4. The act of being caught off guard
The act of failing to remain alert or prepared, allowing an unexpected situation to take someone by surprise.
4.1. Being inattentive or unprepared
Failing to maintain vigilance or awareness, particularly when an unexpected event occurs.
Synonyms
- being caught off guard
- being taken by surprise
- letting one's guard down
Antonyms
- staying alert
- remaining vigilant
- being watchful
Examples
- The opposing team caught the defense napping during the final minutes.
- The security staff were napping when the unexpected attack occurred.
Related Words
- being unaware
- being unprepared
- being unsuspecting
- being inattentive
VERB
5. The act of grabbing or seizing something
The act of taking or seizing something quickly or suddenly.
5.1. Grabbing or taking something quickly
Taking hold of or seizing something suddenly, often without hesitation.
Synonyms
- grabbing
- snatching
- seizing
- nabbing
Antonyms
- releasing
- relinquishing
- letting go
Examples
- He succeeded in napping the last available seat before anyone else could take it.
- The thief was caught napping a wallet from the unattended bag.
Related Words
VERB
6. The act of covering food with sauce
The process of coating or covering food with a sauce, usually as part of its preparation or presentation.
6.1. Coating food with sauce
Covering food with a layer of sauce to add flavor or improve its presentation.
Synonyms
- coating
- covering
- dressing
- smothering
Examples
- The chef is napping the fish with a delicate cream sauce.
- The roasted vegetables were napped with a rich herb sauce.
Related Words
- glazing
- saucing
- drizzling
- garnishing