I. ˈklap verb
( clapped also clapt ; clapped also clapt ; clapping ; claps )
Etymology: Middle English clappen, cleppen, from Old English clappian, clæppan to clap, beat, throb; akin to Old High German klaphōn to beat, Old Norse klappa, Latin glēba clod — more at clip
transitive verb
1.
a. : to strike together (as two flat hard surfaces) so as to produce a sharp percussive noise or series of such noises
clapped his head on a rafter
clap shut a book
clap a stick along a picket fence
b. of a bird : to beat (the wings) so as to strike each other, the sides, or the air noisily
2.
a. : to beat (one's hands usually flat or slightly cupped palm against palm) together repeatedly so as to produce a series of sharp percussive noises
the children clapped hands as they danced
often as a sign of pleasure or approval
the curtain went up and everyone clapped hands
b. : to show pleasure at or approval of (as a performer or performance) by making such noises especially with one's hands : applaud
they clapped the speaker
3.
a.
(1) : to strike with the flat of the hand and often as a gesture of friendship or encouragement
clapped his friend on the back
(2) dialect Britain : to pat endearingly : stroke , caress
b.
(1) obsolete : to strike (hands) with someone as a sign of closing a bargain
(2) obsolete : pledge
ere I could make thee open thy white hand and clap thyself my love — Shakespeare
4. : to strike (as bread dough or laundry) with a flat surface especially to smooth or flatten
5.
a. : to place, put, or set especially with haste or energy
clapped a piece of candy into his mouth
clap him into jail
clap eyes on a person
clap an awning up
b. : to put on and fasten securely
clap a muzzle on a dog
6. : to make, contrive, or provide in a hasty or botched-up manner — used with together or up
they clapped the house together
clap up a conspiracy
7. : to lay or apply (as a legal action or writ) — often used with on or upon
clap an attachment on a person's house
intransitive verb
1. : to produce a percussive or explosive noise or series of such noises
the loose shutters clapped against the house
the thunder clapped against the valley walls
2. : to close noisily : slam
the windows clapped shut
the doors clapped to
3. : to talk noisily : chatter on : prate
her tongue could clap until midnight
4. : to begin, move, or act briskly or energetically
clap into a song
his hand clapped over my mouth
specifically : to rush precipitously : throw oneself : pounce
he clapped out the door after the thief
5. : to produce a series of sharp percussive noises by clapping the hands especially as a sign of pleasure or approval
the curtain rose and the audience clapped
6. dialect Britain : to sit down abruptly
clap down in a chair
: crouch suddenly
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English clappe, cleppe, probably from Middle English clappen, cleppen, v.
1. : a device (as the clapper of a mill) that makes a clapping noise
2. obsolete : the human tongue
3. obsolete : a sudden stroke or turn of fortune, especially ill fortune
4. : a loud percussive or explosive noise: as
a. obsolete : the report of a gun
the clap of a musket
b. : a sudden crash of thunder
5.
a. : a sudden sometimes resounding blow or stroke
the guard gave him a clap in the ribs with his stick
or series of such blows or strokes
the flock rose with a great clap of wings
b. : a blow (as with the flat of the hand) given as a gesture of encouragement or friendship
he gave his pal a clap on the back
6. : the lower part of the beak of a hawk
7. : the noise made by clapping the hands
the clap and cry of children at play
or especially by clapping one's hands as a token of pleasure or approval
the audience gave him a good clap
•
- at a clap
- in a clap
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French clapoir bubo, probably from clapoire, clapier rabbit warren, house of prostitution, from Old Provençal clapier rabbit warren, heap of stones
1. : gonorrhea — often used with the
2.
a. : a swelling in the legs of horses caused by a disease
b. : the disease producing such a swelling
3. : bovine mastitis
IV. transitive verb
( clapped ; clapped ; clapping ; caps )
: to infect with gonorrhea — sometimes used with up