clap

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[[t]klæp[/t]]

v. clapped, clap•ping, n.

1) to strike the palms of (one's hands) together, usu. repeatedly, esp. to express approval

2) to strike (someone) amicably with a light slap, as in greeting or encouragement:

He clapped his friend on the back[/ex]

3) to strike (an object) against something quickly and forcefully, producing an abrupt, sharp sound

4) to bring together forcefully (facing surfaces of the same object):

She clapped the book shut[/ex]

5) to put or place quickly or forcefully

6) to make or arrange hastily (often fol. by up or together)

7) to applaud (a performance, speaker, etc.) by clapping the hands

8) to clap the hands, as to express approval; applaud

9) to make an abrupt, sharp sound, as of flat surfaces striking against one another:

The shutters clapped in the wind[/ex]

10) to move or strike with such a sound

11) an act of clapping

12) the abrupt, sharp sound produced by clapping

13) a resounding blow; slap

14) a loud and abrupt or explosive noise, as of thunder

15) a sudden stroke, blow, or act

16) Obs. a sudden mishap

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Etymology: 1175–1225; ME clappen, OE clæppan, c. MLG kleppen II

clap

[[t]klæp[/t]] n.

sts pat sl.: sometimes vulgar gonorrhea (often prec. by the)

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Etymology: 1580–90; akin to MF clapoir bubo, clapier brothel, OPr clapier warren