slap

UK: slæp | US: slæp

Definition
  1. n. a sharp blow or smack, typically with the hand

  2. vt. to hit someone or something with a sharp blow, especially with the hand

  3. vi. (of water, rain, etc.) to strike something with a slapping sound

Structure

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Etymology

The word "slap" is of imitative origin, likely derived from the sound produced by a sharp blow. It first appeared in Middle English (as "slappen") and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages (e.g., Dutch "slap," German "schlapp"). Its onomatopoeic nature makes it non-splittable, as it mimics the sound of the action it describes.

Examples
  1. She gave him a sharp slap across the face.

  2. The waves slapped against the side of the boat.

  3. He slapped the table in frustration.

  4. The rain slapped loudly on the tin roof.

  5. Don’t slap the child—use words instead.