slap

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To hit someone with the open hand, often on the face.

   She slapped him across the face after he insulted her.

2. 2
   noun

   A blow given with the open hand or something flat.

   He gave me a friendly slap on the back.

3. 3
   noun

   A sharp sound like that made by a slap.

   I could hear the slap of my feet on the wet tiles.

From Middle English slappen, of uncertain origin, possibly imitative. Compare Low German Slappe (“slap”), whence also German Schlappe (“defeat”). Compare also Italian sleppa (“slap”).

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