leap out at
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to jump out suddenly, often surprising someone or something.
phrasal verb. to move suddenly and forcefully in the direction of something; often used to describe something that appears unexpectedly or strikes someone visually.
A bird leaped out at me from the bushes.
The advertisement leaped out at me as I walked past the bus stop.
The sudden movement of the shadow leaped out at him, causing him to freeze in fear.
- jump out at
- spring out at
- burst out at
- sprint out at
- remain hidden
- stay still
- fade away
- Particles
- out at
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- leap + out + at + object
Usage
typically followed by a direct object indicating what is leaping or the target of the leap.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'jump out at' (similar but less intense) and 'spring out at' (more sudden); 'leap' implies greater force or height than 'jump'.
Last updated April 24, 2026