fillip

UK: /ˈfɪlɪp/ US: (fil′əp)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

fil•lip  (fil′əp), v.t. 

1. to strike with the nail of a finger snapped from the end of the thumb.
2. to tap or strike smartly.
3. to drive by or as by a fillip:
   Anticipation filliped his passion.

v.i. 

4. to make a fillip with the fingers.

n. 

5. an act or instance of filliping;
   a smart tap or stroke.
6. anything that tends to rouse, excite, or revive;
   a stimulus:
   Praise is an excellent fillip for waning ambition.

• 1425–75; late Middle English philippe to make a signal or sound with thumb and right forefinger; expressive word of uncertain orig; compare flip

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

fillip / ˈfɪlɪp/ noun

1. something that adds stimulation or enjoyment
2. the action of holding a finger towards the palm with the thumb and suddenly releasing it outwards to produce a snapping sound
3. a quick blow or tap made by a finger snapped in this way

verb

1. (transitive) to stimulate or excite
2. (transitive) to strike or project sharply with a fillip
3. (intransitive) to make a fillip

Etymology: 15th Century philippe, of imitative origin