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strap

n. · v.
US //ˈstɹæp// UK //stɹˈæp// strap
  1. 1 fastening strip (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a narrow strip of leather, cloth, or plastic used to fasten, carry, or hold onto something.

    a long, narrow, pliable strip of material used for binding, fastening, or as a handle for carrying.

    Example

    The strap on my backpack broke because the books were too heavy.

    Example

    She adjusted the leather strap of her watch, ensuring the sensor remained in contact with her wrist for an accurate heart rate reading.
  2. 2 firearm (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang

    a slang word for a gun, usually a small one like a pistol.

    a slang term for a personal firearm, typically a handgun.

    Example

    In many action movies, the main character is always carrying a strap.

    Example

    The lyrics often reference carrying a strap as a metaphor for the constant threat of violence in high-crime urban environments.
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  1. 3 finance strategy (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Finance

    a specific way of trading stocks using options to bet that prices will go up.

    an options strategy involving one put and two calls with the same strike price and expiration, used when high volatility is expected with a bullish bias.

    Example

    The trader used a strap because he thought the stock price would jump significantly.

    Example

    By employing a strap rather than a standard straddle, the investor increased their potential profit from a significant upward price movement while maintaining some downside protection.

  2. 4 to fasten (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to tie or move something into place using a strip of material.

    to secure, bind, or fasten an object in place using a strap or similar flexible material.

    Example

    Make sure you strap the surfboard tightly to the roof of the car.

    Example

    The paramedics worked quickly to strap the patient onto the stretcher before navigating the narrow staircase to the ambulance.
  3. 5 to hit (v.)
    C1 Advanced Archaic

    to hit someone with a leather strip as a punishment.

    to beat or chastise a person or animal using a leather strap.

    Example

    In the old days, teachers might strap students who misbehaved in class.

    Example

    The historical novel describes a time when sailors were routinely strapped for even the most minor infractions of naval discipline.
Origin

From a variant of earlier strope (“loop on a harness”), from Middle English strope, stroppe, from Late Old English strop, stropp (“a band, thong, strap; oar-thong”) and Old French estrope (“strap, loop on a harness”), both from Latin stroppus, struppus (“strap”), from Ancient Greek στρόφος (stróphos, “rope”) (compare strophe), from στρέφω (stréphō, “to twist”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European strebʰ- (compare Proto-West Germanic stroppōn (“to twist, writhe”)). Cognate with Scots strap, strop (“strap, band, thong”), Dutch strop (“noose, strop, loop”), Low German Strop (“strap”), German Struppe, Strüppe, Strippe (“string, cord”), Danish strop (“strap”), Swedish stropp (“strap, loop”).

Word family
Idioms2 entries

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