syn·co·pate \ˈsiŋkəˌpāt, -ink-, usu -ād.+V\transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Medieval Latin syncopatus, past participle of syncopare, from Late Latin syncope, syncopa 1. a.: to shorten by syncope < syncopatesuppose to s'pose > : produce by syncope < bewild'ring is syncopated from bewildering > b.: to omit (a sound or letter) in the interior of a word < syncopate the o of policeman > c.: to cut short : clip, abbreviate 2.: to modify or affect (musical rhythm) by syncopation