clap

¹clap

verb \ˈklap\

clapped also claptclap·ping

Definition of CLAP

transitive verb

1

: to strike (as two flat hard surfaces) together so as to produce a sharp percussive noise

2

a : to strike (the hands) together repeatedly usually in applause

b : applaud

3

: to strike with the flat of the hand in a friendly way <clapped his friend on the shoulder>

4

: to place, put, or set especially energetically <clap him into jail> <since I first clapped eyes on it>

5

: to improvise or build hastily <a hut clapped together from old plywood>

intransitive verb

1

: to produce a percussive sound; especially : slam

2

: to go abruptly or briskly

3

: applaud

Examples of CLAP

1. She clapped in delight when she heard the news.
2. The audience clapped to the beat of the music.
3. The conductor clapped her hands twice, and the musicians stopped talking and prepared to play.
4. He clapped his friend on the shoulder.
5. He clapped his hand over his mouth when he realized what he had said.
6. He clapped his hat on his head and went out the door.
7. She clapped a muzzle on the dog.
8. The prisoners were clapped in irons.

Origin of CLAP

Middle English clappen, from Old English clæppan to throb; akin to Old High German klaphōn to beat

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CLAP

Synonyms

bang, bash, bat, belt, biff, bludgeon, bob, bonk, bop, box, bust, hit, clip, clobber, clock, clout, crack, hammer, knock, nail, paste, pound, punch, rap, slam, slap, slog, slug, smack, smite, sock, strike, swat, swipe, tag, thump, thwack, wallop, whack, whale, zap

Related Words

batter, beat, buffet, bung, chop, cuff, drub, lace, lambaste (or lambast), lick, mangle, maul, pelt, pepper, pommel, pummel, rough; scuff; bunt, flick, stroke, tap; bump, butt, jab, jostle, kick, knee, poke, prod, push, shove, stamp; bowl (down or over), cream, deck, dump [slang], fell, floor, knock down, level; rabbit-punch, sucker punch; cane, club, cudgel, flail, flog, lash, sap, slash, sledge, sledgehammer, spear, stab, switch, thrash, whip; bean, brain, conk, skull

Rhymes with CLAP

cap, chap, crap, flap, frap, gap, gape, hap, knap, lap, Lapp, map, nap, nape, nappe, pap, rap, sap, scrap, slap, snap, strap, tap, trap, wrap, yap, Yap, zap

²clap

noun

Definition of CLAP

1

: a device that makes a clapping noise

2

obsolete : a sudden stroke of fortune and especially ill fortune

3

: a loud percussive noise; specifically : a sudden crash of thunder

4

a : a sudden blow

b : a friendly slap <a clap on the back>

5

: the sound of clapping hands; especially : applause

First Known Use of CLAP

13th century

³clap

noun

Definition of CLAP

: gonorrhea —often used with the

Origin of CLAP

Middle French clapoir bubo

First Known Use: 1587

clap

noun \ˈklap\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CLAP

: gonorrhea—often used with the