C1verbinformal2K

Slap

UK /["/slæp/","/slæps/","/slæpt/","/ˈslæpɪŋ/"]/US /["/slæp/","/slæps/","/slæpt/","/ˈslæpɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to hit somebody/something with the flat part of your hand

In simple words: to hit someone or something with your hand quickly

Examples

  • She gave him a slap on the cheek to express her anger.
  • During the play, the actor delivered a slap that echoed through the theater.
  • He decided to slap the bumper sticker onto his car without much thought.
  • The chef will slap the dough flat before rolling it out.
  • You shouldn’t slap someone just because you’re upset.
  • The company slapped a new tax on imported goods unexpectedly.
  • She had to slap a quick solution together to fix the leaking pipe.
  • He heard the slap of the ball against the bat during the game.

Usage notes

Used in casual contexts; can refer to hitting playfully or angrily. Avoid in formal situations or when discussing violence. Often used in comedic or light-hearted scenarios.

Grammar pattern

slap + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'slap' — imagine a hand quickly coming down on a cheek.

Collocations

  • hard
  • gently
  • lightly
  • across
  • on
  • slap somebody in the face

Synonyms

  • smack

Antonyms

  • caress
  • hug
  • embrace

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'slapstick' — they are related but different.
  • Using 'slap' without an object, e.g., 'I slap' instead of 'I slap him.'
  • Mixing it up with 'smack', which can have a slightly different connotation.