French word

essuyer

Pronunciation

IPA/esɥije/

Meaning

  • verbwipe

Example

Essuie tes mains avant de manger.

Wipe your hands before eating.

Illustration for essuyer (wipe)

More examples

Il a essuyé ses lunettes avec sa manche.

He wiped his glasses with his sleeve.

Core concept

A surface is cleared by repeated rubbing or dabbing, while a person can also absorb an impact such as defeat, criticism, or hardship.

Common phrases

  • essuyer les mains

    wipe one's hands

  • essuyer la vaisselle

    wipe the dishes

  • essuyer une larme

    wipe away a tear

Similar words

sécher: To remove moisture and leave something dry.
éponger: To soak up spilled liquid with a cloth or sponge.
nettoyer: To remove dirt and make something clean.
frotter: To rub vigorously to remove dirt or stubborn residue.

Definition in French

Enlever par frottement ou tamponnement l'eau, la saleté ou une substance d'une surface.

Word origin

The French verb developed from Old French essuier, inherited from Latin exsucare, which meant removing moisture or juice.

Usage tips

  • Essuyer une défaite and essuyer des critiques use the verb figuratively for undergoing or receiving something unwelcome, not for physically wiping it.

Other meanings

  • sufferverb

Opposites

Related words

  • essuie-mainshand towelnoun
  • essuie-glacewindshield wipernoun
  • essuyagewipingnoun

Word lists with this word