To lick; to lap — to touch or pass the tongue over something.
犬が私の手を舐めてくる。
The dog licks my hand.
アイスを溶かさないようにひとなめで食べた。
I took one lick of the ice cream so it wouldn't melt.
猫が毛づくろいで前足を舐めている。
The cat is licking its paw while grooming.
To taste — to sample the flavor of something with the tongue.
料理人はスープを少し舐めて味を調整した。
The cook licked a bit of the soup to adjust the seasoning.
怖がらずに一口舐めてみてください。
Don't be afraid—try a lick (take a small taste).
彼は酒を舐めるように飲んだ。
He sipped the alcohol as if licking it.
To undergo or experience (often hardships or unpleasantness); to go through something difficult.
若いころに苦労を舐めた経験が、今の仕事に生きている。
The hardships I went through when I was young are useful in my current job.
あの試練を舐めたことがない人には、この苦労は分からないだろう。
Those who haven't been through that ordeal won't understand this hardship.
To underestimate, make light of, or look down on someone; to treat with contempt (colloquial).
俺を舐めるな。そんなに簡単に諦めるわけがない。
Don't underestimate me. I'm not going to give up that easily.
相手を舐めてかかると痛い目を見るよ。
If you go in underestimating the opponent, you'll suffer for it.
客に舐められない接客態度が必要だ。
You need a manner of serving customers that won't allow them to take you for granted.
To lick (as flames do); to burn or singe something lightly, like a flame touching the surface.
風で炎があちこちを舐め、火事は急速に広がった。
The wind caused the flames to lick in many places, and the fire spread quickly.
フライパンに油が多すぎて、火が油を舐めてしまった。
There was too much oil in the frying pan and the flame licked the oil.