rap

  • verb (rapped, rapping) 1 strike (a hard surface) with a series of rapid audible blows. 2 strike sharply. 3 informal rebuke or criticize sharply. 4 (usu. rap out) say something sharply or suddenly. 5 perform rap music.

  • noun 1 a quick, sharp knock or blow. 2 informal a rebuke or criticism. 3 a type of popular music of US black origin in which words are recited rapidly and rhythmically over an instrumental backing. 4 informal, chiefly N. Amer. an impromptu talk or discussion. 5 informal, chiefly N. Amer. a criminal charge: a murder rap.

  — PHRASES beat the rap N. Amer. informal escape punishment for or be acquitted of a crime. take the rap informal be punished or blamed for something.

  — DERIVATIVES rapper noun.

  — ORIGIN probably imitative and Scandinavian.

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