Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense slaps, present participle slapping, past tense, past participle slapped
1. verb
If you slap someone, you hit them with the palm of your hand.
He would push or slap them once in a while. [VERB noun]
I slapped him hard across the face. [VERB noun adverb/preposition]
Synonyms: smack, hit, strike, beat More Synonyms of slap
Slap is also a noun.
He reached forward and gave him a slap.
2. verb
If you slap someone on the back, you hit them in a friendly manner on their back.
A large middle-aged lady slapped me on the back and said 'Nice to see you again.' [VERB noun on noun]
3. verb
If you slap something onto a surface, you put it there quickly, roughly, or carelessly.
The barman slapped the cup on to the waiting saucer. [V n + on/onto]
Synonyms: throw, fling, sling [informal], stick [informal] More Synonyms of slap
4. verb
If journalists say that the authorities slap something such as a tax or a ban on something, they think it is unreasonable or put on without careful thought.
[informal, disapproval]
The government slapped a ban on the export of unprocessed logs. [VERB noun + on]
Thankfully the Government still hasn't discovered a way of slapping a tax on love,sunshine or air. [VERB noun on noun]
Synonyms: impose, put, place, lay More Synonyms of slap
5.
See a slap in the face
6.
See a slap on the wrist
More Synonyms of slap
slap in British English
(slæp)
noun
1.
a sharp blow or smack, as with the open hand, something flat, etc
2.
the sound made by or as if by such a blow
3.
a sharp rebuke; reprimand
4. a bit of slap and tickle
5. a slap in the face
6. a slap on the back
7. a slap on the wrist
verbWord forms: slaps, slapping or slapped
8. (transitive)
to strike (a person or thing) sharply, as with the open hand or something flat
9. (transitive)
to bring down (the hand, something flat, etc) sharply
10. (whenintr, usually foll by against)
to strike (something) with or as if with a slap
11. (transitive) informal, mainly British
to apply in large quantities, haphazardly, etc
she slapped butter on the bread
12. slap on the back
adverb informal
13.
exactly; directly
slap on time
14.
forcibly or abruptly
to fall slap on the floor
Derived forms
slapper (ˈslapper)
noun
Word origin
C17: from Low German slapp, German Schlappe, of imitative origin
slap in American English
(slæp)
noun
1.
a.
a blow or smack, esp. with something flat, specif. the palm of the hand
b.
the sound of this, or a sound like it
2.
an injury to pride, self-respect, etc., as an insult or rebuff
verb transitiveWord forms: slapped or ˈslapping
3.
to strike with something flat, specif. the palm of the hand
4.
to put, throw, hit, etc. carelessly or with force
to slap a hat on one's head
5. Informal
a.
to penalize (a person, business, etc.) with a fine, lawsuit, etc.
b.
to impose (a fine, etc.) on a person, business, etc.
verb intransitive
6.
to make a dull, sharp noise, as upon impact
adverb
7. Informal
directly and abruptly
I ran slap into the wall
Idioms:
slap down
Derived forms
slapper (ˈslapper)
noun
Word origin
LowG sklapp: of echoic orig.
More idioms containing
slap
a slap in the face
a slap on the wrist
Examples of 'slap' in a sentence
slap
Turn the keyboard over and slap the back to try and loosen the key.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This is just another slap in the face.
The Sun (2008)
We thought he would get a slap on the wrists.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The former could look for his reputation and the latter could slap a tax on it.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Three cops received minor injuries when they were punched and slapped during the operation.
The Sun (2007)
Our interview is regularly interrupted as people come to slap his hand in convivial showbiz style.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The cameraman needs a slap on the wrist for poor shot planning and continuity.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The rapper has slapped a ban on fast food being consumed around him.
The Sun (2009)
The poll is a slap in the face for critics who say courts are being too tough.
The Sun (2011)
Try a few sharp slaps on the back.
The Sun (2014)
They could also get slapped with an unnecessary tax bill.
The Sun (2015)
Surely they will let her out soon with just a slap on the wrist.
The Sun (2009)
Dom slapped his hand over the wound.
Christina Dodd SOMEDAY MY PRINCE (1999)
The next he says he thinks the committee that let her off with a slap on the wrist needs reform.
The Sun (2014)
Any one of those stars could slap in transfer requests to try and force a move in the current transfer window.
The Sun (2014)
Getting slapped is part and parcel of ministry and we just have to turn the other cheek and get on with it.
Bain, Roly Fools Rush In - A Call to Christian Clowning (1993)
He would hit me, slap me and beat me.
The Sun (2011)
It sits equally happily on the beginning, end or bang slap in the middle of a sentence.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
When you get to 200, give yourself a sharp slap.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Some attackers post messages boasting of their slaps, some request new footage to be sent via e-mail.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
In other languages
slap
British English: slap /slæp/ VERB
If you slap someone, you hit them with the palm of your hand.
He would push or slap her once in a while.
American English: slap
Arabic: يُصْفِعُ
Brazilian Portuguese: dar uma tapa em
Chinese: 拍
Croatian: pljusnuti
Czech: plácat rukou
Danish: give lussing
Dutch: meppen
European Spanish: pegar una bofetada
Finnish: läpsäyttää
French: taper frapper
German: schlagen Person
Greek: χαστουκίζω
Italian: schiaffeggiare
Japanese: ピシャリと打つ
Korean: 찰싹 때리다
Norwegian: klaske
Polish: dać klapsa
European Portuguese: dar uma bofetada
Romanian: a pălmui
Russian: шлепать
Latin American Spanish: pegar una bofetada
Swedish: slå örfila
Thai: ตบ
Turkish: tokatlamak
Ukrainian: ляскати
Vietnamese: tát
All related terms of 'slap'
slap-up
A slap-up meal is a large enjoyable meal.
slap-bang
Slap bang is used in expressions such as slap bang in the middle of somewhere to mean exactly in that place.
slap bass
a rock or jazz style of playing the electric or double bass in which the strings are plucked and released so as to vibrate sharply against the fretboard or fingerboard
slap down
to rebuke sharply, as for impertinence
slap shot
a hard shot made with a full swing , usually causing the puck to leave the ice
tape slap
a means of delaying the repeat of a sound by adjusting the time lapse between the recording and playback heads of a tape recorder
bitch-slap
to strike (someone) with one's open hand
blade slap
the regular noise beat generated by the rotor blades of a helicopter
piston slap
the characteristic sound of a seriously worn piston in a cylinder (usually of the engine of a motor car)
slap-happy
If you describe someone as slap-happy , you believe they are irresponsible and careless.
slap-happier
cheerfully irresponsible or careless
slap-happiest
cheerfully irresponsible or careless
slap and tickle
sexual play
slap on the back
to congratulate
slapdash
If you describe someone as slapdash , you mean that they do things carelessly without much thinking or planning .
a slap in the face
If you describe something that someone does as a slap in the face , you mean that it shocks or upsets you because it shows that they do not support you or respect you.
a slap on the back
congratulation
a slap on the wrist
A slap on the wrist is a warning or a punishment that is not very severe .
a bit of slap and tickle
sexual play
Chinese translation of 'slap'
slap
(slæp)
n(c)
掌击(擊) (zhǎngjī) (次, cì)
vt
[child, face, bottom]掴(摑) (guāi)
adv
(inf, = directly) 直接地 (zhíjiē de)
to give sb a slap打某人一巴掌 (dǎ mǒurén yī bāzhang)
a slap in the face (fig) 污辱 (wūrǔ)
to slap sb on the back拍拍某人的后(後)背 (pāipāi mǒurén de hòubèi)
to slap sth (down) on sth啪的一声(聲)把某物扔到某物上 (pā de yī shēng bǎ mǒuwù rēngdào mǒuwù shang)
to slap some paint on a wall往墙(牆)上涂(塗)些油漆 (wǎng qiáng shang tú xiē yóuqī)
slap-bang or slap in the middle of sth (Brit, inf) 在某物的正中央 (zài mǒuwù de zhèng zhōngyāng)
All related terms of 'slap'
a slap in the face
( fig ) 污辱 wūrǔ
to give sb a slap
打某人一巴掌 dǎ mǒurén yī bāzhang
to slap sb on the back
拍拍某人的后(後)背 pāipāi mǒurén de hòubèi
to slap some paint on a wall
往墙(牆)上涂(塗)些油漆 wǎng qiáng shang tú xiē yóuqī
slap-bang or slap in the middle of sth
( Brit : inf ) 在某物的正中央 zài mǒuwù de zhèng zhōngyāng
to slap sth (down) on sth
啪的一声(聲)把某物扔到某物上 pā de yī shēng bǎ mǒuwù rēngdào mǒuwù shang
1 (verb)
Definition
to strike sharply with something flat, such as the open hand
My yoga instructor turned up and slapped me on the shoulder.
Synonyms
smack
She smacked me on the side of the head.
hit
She hit him hard across his left arm.
strike
She took two steps forward and struck him across the mouth.
beat
He lost the boxing match and was badly beaten by his opponent.
bang
We could bang on the desks and shout until they let us out.
clap
He clapped me on the back and boomed, `Well done.'
clout (informal)
The officer clouted him on the head.
cuff
She cuffed him playfully around the ear.
whack
Someone whacked him on the head.
swipe (informal)
She swiped at him as though he were a fly.
spank
clobber (slang)
She clobbered him with a vase.
wallop (informal)
She walloped me over the head with a cushion.
lay one on (slang)
2 (verb)
Definition
to bring (something) down forcefully
He slapped the cup onto the waiting saucer.
Synonyms
throw
He threw his jacket onto the back seat.
fling
I flung the book on the table and stormed out.
sling (informal)
She slung her coat over the desk chair.
stick (informal)
He folded the papers and stuck them in a drawer.
bung (informal)
plonk (informal)
3 (verb)
The government slapped a ban on the export of processed logs.
Synonyms
impose
put
She put her bag on the floor.
place
Children place their trust in us.
lay
Lay a sheet of newspaper on the floor.
introduce
The Government has introduced a number of other money-saving ideas.
institute
We will institute a number of methods to improve safety.
4 (verb)
Definition
to cover with quickly or carelessly
(informal British)
We now routinely slap sunscreen on ourselves before venturing out.
Synonyms
plaster
She gets sunburn even when she plasters herself in lotion.
apply
spread
Spread the cream over the skin and allow it to remain for 12 hours.
daub
They daubed paint on the wall.
(noun)
Definition
a sharp blow or smack with something flat, such as the open hand
He reached forward and gave me a slap.
Synonyms
smack
I end up shouting at him or giving him a smack.
blow
He went off to hospital after a blow to the face.
whack
He gave the tree trunk a whack with the axe.
wallop (informal)
With a single wallop, Clarke sent him flying.
bang
a nasty bang on the head
clout (informal)
I was half tempted to give them a clout myself.
cuff
He gave Billy a cuff.
swipe (informal)
He gave Andrew a swipe on the ear.
spank
idioms
See a slap in the face
See a slap on the wrist
Additional synonyms
in the sense of bang
Definition
to hit or knock, esp. with a loud noise
We could bang on the desks and shout until they let us out.
Synonyms
hit,
pound,
beat,
strike,
crash,
knock,
belt (informal),
hammer,
slam,
rap,
bump,
bash (informal),
thump,
clatter,
pummel,
tonk (informal),
beat or knock seven bells out of (informal)
in the sense of bang
Definition
a hard blow or loud knock
a nasty bang on the head
Synonyms
blow,
hit,
box,
knock,
stroke,
punch,
belt (informal),
rap,
bump,
bash (informal),
sock (slang),
smack,
thump,
buffet,
clout (informal),
cuff,
clump (slang),
whack,
wallop (informal),
slosh (British, slang),
tonk (informal),
clomp (slang)
in the sense of beat
Definition
to strike with a series of violent blows
He lost the boxing match and was badly beaten by his opponent.
Synonyms
batter,
break,
hit,
strike,
knock,
punch,
belt (informal),
whip,
deck (slang),
bruise,
bash (informal),
sock (slang),
lash,
chin (slang),
pound,
smack,
thrash,
cane,
thump,
lick (informal),
buffet,
clout (informal),
flog,
whack (informal),
maul,
clobber (slang),
wallop (informal),
tonk (informal),
cudgel,
thwack (informal),
lambast(e),
lay one on (slang),
drub,
tan (informal),
lam (informal),
beat or knock seven bells out of (informal)
Synonyms of 'slap'
slap
Explore 'slap' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of blow
Definition
a powerful or heavy stroke with the fist, a weapon, etc.
He went off to hospital after a blow to the face.
Synonyms
knock,
stroke,
punch,
belt (informal),
bang,
rap,
bash (informal),
sock (slang),
smack,
thump,
buffet,
clout (informal),
whack (informal),
wallop (informal),
slosh (British, slang),
tonk (informal),
clump (slang),
clomp (slang)
in the sense of clap
Definition
to strike (a person) lightly with an open hand as in greeting
He clapped me on the back and boomed, `Well done.'
Synonyms
strike,
pat,
punch,
bang,
thrust,
slap,
whack,
wallop (informal),
thwack
in the sense of clobber
Definition
to batter
She clobbered him with a vase.
Synonyms
batter,
beat,
assault,
smash,
bash (informal),
lash,
thrash,
pound,
beat up (informal),
wallop (informal),
pummel,
rough up (informal),
lambast(e),
belabour,
duff up (informal),
beat or knock seven bells out of (informal)
in the sense of clout
Definition
to hit hard
The officer clouted him on the head.
Synonyms
hit,
strike,
punch,
deck (slang),
slap,
sock (slang),
chin (slang),
smack,
thump,
cuff,
clobber (slang),
wallop (informal),
box,
wham,
tonk (informal),
lay one on (slang),
skelp (dialect)
in the sense of clout
Definition
a fairly hard blow
I was half tempted to give them a clout myself.
Synonyms
thump,
blow,
crack (informal),
punch,
slap,
sock (slang),
cuff,
wallop (informal),
tonk (informal),
skelp (dialect)
in the sense of cuff
Definition
to strike with an open hand
She cuffed him playfully around the ear.
Synonyms
smack,
hit,
thump,
punch,
box,
knock,
bat (informal),
belt (informal),
slap,
clap,
clout (informal),
whack,
biff (slang),
clobber (slang)
in the sense of cuff
Definition
a blow with an open hand
He gave Billy a cuff.
Synonyms
smack,
blow,
knock,
punch,
thump,
box,
belt (informal),
rap,
slap,
clout (informal),
whack,
biff (slang)
in the sense of daub
Definition
to smear (paint or mud) quickly or carelessly over a surface
They daubed paint on the wall.
Synonyms
smear,
dirty,
splatter,
stain,
spatter,
sully,
deface,
smirch,
begrime,
besmear,
bedaub,
paint,
coat,
stain,
plaster,
slap on (informal)
in the sense of fling
Definition
to throw with force
I flung the book on the table and stormed out.
Synonyms
throw,
toss,
hurl,
chuck (informal),
launch,
cast,
pitch,
send,
shy,
jerk,
propel,
sling (informal),
precipitate,
lob (informal),
catapult,
heave,
let fly
in the sense of hit
Definition
to strike or touch (a person or thing) forcefully
She hit him hard across his left arm.
Synonyms
strike,
beat,
knock,
punch,
belt (informal),
deck (slang),
bang,
batter,
clip (informal),
slap,
bash (informal),
sock (slang),
chin (slang),
smack,
thump,
clout (informal),
cuff,
flog,
whack,
clobber (slang),
smite (archaic),
wallop (informal),
swat,
tonk (slang),
lay one on (slang),
beat or knock seven bells out of (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of institute
Definition
to start or establish
We will institute a number of methods to improve safety.
Synonyms
establish,
start,
begin,
found,
launch,
set up,
introduce,
settle,
fix,
invest,
organize,
install,
pioneer,
constitute,
initiate,
originate,
enact,
commence,
inaugurate,
set in motion,
bring into being,
put into operation
in the sense of introduce
Definition
to bring into use
The Government has introduced a number of other money-saving ideas.
Synonyms
bring in,
establish,
set up,
start,
begin,
found,
develop,
launch,
institute,
organize,
pioneer,
initiate,
originate,
commence,
get going,
instigate,
phase in,
usher in,
inaugurate,
set in motion,
bring into being
in the sense of lay
Definition
to place in position
Lay a sheet of newspaper on the floor.
Synonyms
place,
put,
set,
spread,
plant,
establish,
settle,
leave,
deposit,
put down,
set down,
posit
in the sense of place
Children place their trust in us.
Synonyms
put,
lay,
set,
invest,
pin
in the sense of put
Definition
to cause to be (in a position or place)
She put her bag on the floor.
Synonyms
place,
leave,
set,
position,
rest,
park (informal),
plant,
establish,
lay,
stick (informal),
settle,
fix,
lean,
deposit,
dump (informal),
prop,
lay down,
put down,
situate,
set down,
stow,
bung (informal),
plonk (informal)
in the sense of sling
Definition
to throw
She slung her coat over the desk chair.
Synonyms
throw,
cast,
toss,
hurl,
fling,
chuck (informal),
lob (informal),
heave,
shy
in the sense of spank
Definition
to slap (someone) with the open hand, on the buttocks or legs
Synonyms
smack,
slap,
whack,
belt (informal),
tan (slang),
slipper (informal),
cuff,
wallop (informal),
give (someone) a hiding (informal),
put (someone) over your knee
in the sense of spread
Definition
to apply as a coating
Spread the cream over the skin and allow it to remain for 12 hours.
Synonyms
smear,
apply,
rub,
put,
smooth,
plaster,
daub
in the sense of stick
Definition
to place (something) in a specified position
He folded the papers and stuck them in a drawer.
Synonyms
put,
place,
set,
position,
drop,
plant,
store,
lay,
stuff,
fix,
deposit,
install,
plonk
in the sense of strike
Definition
to hit (someone)
She took two steps forward and struck him across the mouth.
Synonyms
hit,
smack,
thump,
pound,
beat,
box,
knock,
punch,
hammer,
deck (slang),
slap,
sock (slang),
chin (slang),
buffet,
clout (informal),
cuff,
clump (slang),
swipe,
clobber (slang),
smite,
wallop (informal),
lambast(e),
lay a finger on (informal),
lay one on (slang),
beat or knock seven bells out of (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of swipe
Definition
to try to hit (someone or something) with a sweeping blow
She swiped at him as though he were a fly.
Synonyms
hit out,
strike,
slap,
lash out at
in the sense of swipe
Definition
a hard blow
He gave Andrew a swipe on the ear.
Synonyms
blow,
slap,
smack,
clip (informal),
thump,
clout (informal),
cuff,
clump (slang),
wallop (informal)
in the sense of wallop
Definition
to hit hard
She walloped me over the head with a cushion.
Synonyms
hit,
beat,
strike,
knock,
belt (informal),
deck (slang),
bang,
batter,
bash (informal),
pound,
chin (slang),
smack,
thrash,
thump,
paste (slang),
buffet,
clout (informal),
slug,
whack,
swipe,
clobber (slang),
pummel,
tonk (slang),
lambast(e),
lay one on (slang),
beat or knock seven bells out of (informal)
in the sense of wallop
Definition
a hard blow
With a single wallop, Clarke sent him flying.
Synonyms
blow,
strike,
punch,
thump,
belt (informal),
bash,
sock (slang),
smack,
clout (informal),
slug,
whack,
swipe (informal),
thwack,
haymaker (slang),
kick
in the sense of whack
Definition
to hit hard
Someone whacked him on the head.
Synonyms
strike,
hit,
beat,
box,
belt (informal),
deck (slang),
bang,
rap,
slap,
bash (informal),
sock (slang),
chin (slang),
smack,
thrash,
thump,
buffet,
clout (informal),
slug,
cuff,
swipe (informal),
clobber (slang),
wallop (informal),
thwack,
lambast(e),
belabour,
lay one on (slang),
beat or knock seven bells out of (informal)
in the sense of whack
Definition
a hard blow or the sound of one
He gave the tree trunk a whack with the axe.
Synonyms
blow,
hit,
box,
stroke,
belt (informal),
bang,
rap,
slap,
bash (informal),
sock (slang),
smack,
thump,
buffet,
clout (informal),
slug,
cuff,
swipe (informal),
wallop (informal),
wham,
thwack
All related terms of 'slap'
slap-up
luxurious, lavish, sumptuous, princely, excellent
slap-bang
exactly, directly, precisely, bang, slap
slap down
put (someone) in their place, restrain, squash, rebuke, reprimand