Slap
English Meaning
A blow, esp. one given with the open hand, or with something broad.
- A sharp blow made with the open hand or with a flat object; a smack.
- The sound of such a blow.
- A sharp insult: a slap to one's pride.
- To strike with a flat object, such as the palm of the hand.
- To cause to strike sharply and loudly: "He took a clipping from his wallet and slapped it on the bar” ( Nathanael West).
- To put or place quickly or carelessly: slapped butter on a bagel.
- To criticize or insult sharply.
- To subject to a legal obligation, such as a fine or court order: slapped him with a speeding ticket; slapped her with a lawsuit.
- To strike or beat with the force and sound of a slap: waves slapping against the raft.
- Informal Directly and with force.
- slap down To restrain or correct by means of a sharp blow or emphatic censure: "thought [he] was getting a little uppity and needed to be slapped down” ( New York Times).
- slap down To put a sudden end to; suppress: slap down divisive criticism.
- slap on the wrist A nominal or token punishment.
