syncopate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb omit a sound or letter in a word
    • syncopate a word
  2. verb modify the rhythm by stressing or accenting a weak beat

WordNet

Syn"co*pate transitive verb
Etymology
LL. syncopatus, p.p. of syncopare to syncopate, to swoon. See Syncope.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Syncopated ; present participle & verbal noun Syncopating
Definitions
  1. (Gram.) To contract, as a word, by taking one or more letters or syllables from the middle; as, "Gloster" is a syncopated form of "Gloucester."
  2. (Mus.) To commence, as a tone, on an unaccented part of a measure, and continue it into the following accented part, so that the accent is driven back upon the weak part and the rhythm drags.

Webster 1913