swat
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /swɒt/
KK: /swɑt/
noun
Definition
A sharp hit or blow, often used to describe a slap or a strong impact. It can also refer to a specialized police or military team trained for dangerous situations.
Example
The officer delivered a swift swat to the table to get everyone's attention.
Conversation
Did you see that swat in the baseball game last night?
Yeah! That hit was incredible, it went so far!
I thought it was a game changer when he made that swat.
Definitely, it really pumped up the crowd!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
blow
strike
hit
Antonyms
caress
gentleness
tap
transitive verb
Definition
To hit something or someone with a quick, strong motion, often to kill or catch it.
Example
She tried to swat the fly that was buzzing around her head.
Tense Forms
Past: swatted
Past Participle: swatted
Conversation
Did you see that fly buzzing around the room?
Yeah, it's so annoying!
I just want to swat it away before it lands on my food.
Root Explanation
The word 'swat' originates from the late 19th century, likely derived from the dialectal term 'swat' meaning to strike or hit, which is related to the action of swatting at something. It does not have clear roots in Latin, Greek, or Old French.
Memory Tip
Think of the action of striking or hitting something quickly — that's what swatting means.
Visually Confused Words
sweat
swart
wat
swa
sat
sweaty
sweath
swarty