ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tapped

v. · adj.
US //ˈtæpt// UK //tˈæpt// tapped
  1. 1 hit lightly (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    hit something quickly and lightly, often making a small sound.

    the past tense of tap, meaning to strike a surface with a light, rhythmic blow.

    Example

    He tapped on the window to get my attention while I was reading.

    Example

    The drummer tapped out a complex rhythm on the edge of the snare drum during the jazz solo.
  2. 2 crazy or eccentric (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang British English

    acting in a strange, silly, or crazy way.

    denoting someone who is mentally unstable, eccentric, or acting irrationally.

    Example

    You must be tapped if you think I'm going out in this storm.

    Example

    The locals thought the old hermit was completely tapped because he spent his afternoons talking to the seagulls.

    Teacher's tip

    Common in British and London-based slang; it can range from lighthearted teasing to a genuine insult about someone's mental state.
  3. 3 monitored by police (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    when a phone or room has a secret device to listen to conversations.

    subject to a wiretap or covert electronic surveillance.

    Example

    The criminal was careful what he said because he suspected his phone was tapped.

    Example

    Detectives obtained a warrant to ensure the suspect's landline was tapped throughout the duration of the investigation.
  4. 4 exhausted or used up (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    having no energy or resources left.

    depleted of resources, energy, or funds; often used in the phrase 'tapped out'.

    Example

    I'm completely tapped out after working twelve hours straight.

    Example

    By the end of the month, the charity's emergency fund was entirely tapped, leaving them unable to assist new applicants.
  5. 5 connected to a source (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Technical

    connected to a supply of something, like water or information.

    fitted with a tap or connected to a source of supply to draw off liquid or data.

    Example

    The engineers tapped into the main water line to supply the new building.

    Example

    The hackers successfully tapped into the secure server, gaining access to thousands of encrypted files.

Last updated June 20, 2026