flap
UK: flæp | US: flæp
n. a thin, flat piece of material attached at one edge, often moving back and forth (e.g., the flap of an envelope)
v. to move up and down or back and forth with a light, quick motion (e.g., a bird flaps its wings)
n. a state of agitation or panic (informal, e.g., "in a flap")
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The word "flap" originated in Middle English as flappe, likely imitative in origin, mimicking the sound or motion of something loose striking or moving (e.g., wings beating, fabric waving). Its core meaning of "loose, repetitive motion" has persisted, later extending metaphorically to describe agitation ("in a flap"). As a monomorphic word, it resists further breakdown and belongs to the category of onomatopoeic/imitativе roots.
The tent flap fluttered noisily in the wind.
The bird began to flap its wings frantically to escape.
She sealed the envelope and tucked in the adhesive flap.
He’s in a flap over the upcoming deadline.
The flag continued to flap against the pole during the storm.