clap

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To hit your hands together repeatedly to show you are pleased.

   The audience clapped loudly after the concert.

2. 2
   noun

   The act of hitting your hands together, or the sound it makes.

   He summoned the waiter with a clap.

3. 3
   noun

   A sudden loud noise, especially of thunder.

   A clap of thunder made everyone jump.

4. 4
   verb

   To put or place something suddenly and firmly.

   The judge clapped him in jail.

Uncertain. Probably from Old French clapoir (“bubo, inflammation from infection”), from clapier (“brothel”). May also be from old, unsafe treatments for gonorrhea, such as clapping the penis between a book and a hard surface to break up obstructions in the urethra and permit urination. Attested from the 16th century.

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