slap

slap¹ S2 [slæp] v past tense and past participle slapped present participle slapping

1.) [T]

to hit someone with the flat part of your hand

→↑punch

▪ Sarah slapped Aaron across the face.

2.) [T always + adverb/preposition]

to put something down on a surface with force, especially when you are angry

▪ Giles slapped his cards down on the table.

3.) slap sb on the back

to hit someone on the back in a friendly way, often as a way of praising them

4.) [I always + adverb/preposition]

to hit a surface with a lot of force, making a loud sharp sound

slap against

▪ Small waves slapped against the side of the boat.

slap down [slap sb down] phr v

to rudely tell someone that their suggestions, questions, ideas etc are stupid

slap on [slap sth<=>on] phr v

1.) to put or spread something quickly or carelessly onto a surface

▪ She ran upstairs and slapped on some make-up.

slap sth on sth

▪ We could slap some paint on it.

2.) to suddenly announce a new charge, tax etc or say that something is not allowed - used especially when you think this is unfair

▪ Many tour operators slap on supplements for single people.

slap sth on sth

▪ In 1977, the president slapped a ban on the commercial reprocessing of nuclear fuel.

slap ²

slap² n

[Date: 1600-1700; : Low German; Origin: slapp, from the sound]

1.) a quick hit with the flat part of your hand

→↑punch

▪ Julia gave Roy a slap on the cheek.

2.) a slap in the face

an action that seems to be deliberately intended to offend or upset someone, especially someone who has tried very hard to do something

3.) a slap on the wrist

a punishment that you think is not severe enough

4.) a slap on the back

an action of hitting someone on the back in a friendly way, especially as a way of praising them

5.) informal ↑make-up