# swat

/ˈswɑt/ (US) · /swˈɒt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/swat
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to hit an insect

verb · CEFR B2

to hit something, especially an insect, with a quick, sharp blow using your hand or a flat object.

For teachers: to strike or bat away with a sharp, sudden blow, typically directed at an insect or small object.

- He tried to swat the fly that was buzzing around his head.
- The tennis player instinctively swatted the stray ball away from the court during a break in the match.

Usage: often used with 'at' when the attempt is unsuccessful.

### 2. to prank with police

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · American English

to make a fake emergency call so that a special police team is sent to someone's house as a dangerous joke.

For teachers: to deceptively report a high-stakes emergency to emergency services to trigger the deployment of a SWAT team to a victim's address.

- The streamer was terrified when someone tried to swat him during a live broadcast.
- Law enforcement agencies have increased penalties for individuals who attempt to swat others, citing the extreme danger to both victims and officers.

Usage: transitive verb requiring a person as the direct object.

### 4. a sharp blow

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a quick, hard hit or slap.

For teachers: a sharp, sudden blow or stroke delivered with a flat object or the palm of the hand.

- She gave the mosquito a quick swat before it could bite her.
- With one powerful swat of its paw, the bear knocked the wooden lid off the container.

## Examples

- He tried to swat the fly with a rolled-up newspaper.
- The tennis player had to swat away a persistent bee before she could focus on her serve.
- In a display of casual indifference, the politician attempted to swat away the reporter's difficult questions as if they were nothing more than minor nuisances.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.