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clap¹

(klăp)

v. clapped, clap·ping, claps

v.intr.

1. To strike the palms of the hands together with a sudden explosive sound, as in applauding.

2. To come together suddenly with a sharp sound.

v.tr.

1. To strike together with a sharp sound, as one hard surface on another: clapped a book on the desk.

2. To strike (the hands) together with an abrupt, loud sound, usually repeatedly: clapped hands in time to the music.

3. To strike lightly but firmly with the open hand, as in greeting: clapped me on the shoulder.

4. To put or place quickly and firmly: clapped the purse snatcher in jail; clapped a lid on the box.

5. To arrange hastily: clapped together a plan.

1. The act or sound of clapping the hands.

2. A sudden, loud, explosive sound: a clap of thunder.

3. A sharp blow with the open hand; a slap.

4. Obsolete A sudden stroke of fortune, especially of bad luck.

[Middle English clappen, from Old English clæppan, clappian, to throb, and from Old Norse klappa, to clap, pat.]

clap²

(klăp)

n.
Vulgar Slang

Gonorrhea. Often used with the.

[Probably from obsolete French clapoir, bubo, from Old French clapier, brothel, from Old Provençal, rabbit warren, from clap, heap of stones, perhaps of Celtic origin.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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