swat
/swɒt/ (bre, ipa) · [swˈɑt] /swɑːt/ (ame, ipa) · [swˈɑt] /ˈswät How to pronounce swat (audio)/ (ame, mw)
swat — verb
- swatpresent simple I / you / we / they
- swatshe / she / it
- swattedpast simple
- swatting-ing form
1. to strike an insect or another small target with a fast flat motion, often to ki
to strike an insect or another small target with a fast flat motion, often to kill it or knock it away
Noa swatted the mosquito on one arm before it bit again.
swat + insect — quick hit to stop a bite
Defne grabbed a magazine and swatted the fly above the fruit bowl.
swat + insect with a flat object
Samir swatted the wasp with a rolled newspaper near the tent door.
Lan swatted two moths away from the porch light after dinner.
- brush off
to remove lightly without striking
文法句型
swat + insect
swat + insect + away
swat at + insect
用法筆記
This verb usually suggests a fast, fairly casual movement. It often appears when someone is trying to kill an insect or push it away without much precision.
2. to strike a ball with great force so it travels fast or far
to strike a ball with great force so it travels fast or far
Hugo swatted the tennis ball past the baseline for a clean winner.
swat + ball + past + line
Tuan swatted a short pitch into left field for two runs.
baseball: swat + pitch + into field
Élise swatted the shuttlecock deep across the court to finish the rally.
Mauricio swatted a loose rebound straight into the top corner.
- tap
to hit the ball lightly instead of with force
文法句型
swat + ball + past/into + place
swat + pitch + into + field
用法筆記
This sense is especially common in sports commentary. It emphasizes force and a clean, decisive contact with the ball.
swat — noun
- swatsingular
- swatsplural
1. a quick flat hit, often aimed at an insect or used to brush something away
a quick flat hit, often aimed at an insect or used to brush something away
One quick swat sent the mosquito spinning into the sink.
with one swat — single quick hit
The cook gave the fly a swat with a folded menu.
give + target + a swat
Samir jumped back when the cat tried a playful swat at the string.
A single swat on the table made the children look up.
文法句型
give something a swat
with one swat
take a swat at + target
用法筆記
This noun usually refers to one short movement rather than a long fight. It can be serious, playful, or simply practical, depending on the target.
2. a flat tool, such as a flyswatter, used to kill insects
a flat tool, such as a flyswatter, used to kill insects
Keep a swat by the kitchen window during mosquito season.
keep a swat by + place
Grandma reached for the plastic swat hanging beside the fridge.
The shop sold bamboo fans, fly paper, and a cheap swat.
David forgot the swat and chased the fly with a towel.
- flyswatter
the fuller and more widely used name for the tool
文法句型
keep a swat by + place
reach for the swat
用法筆記
This use is short for a flyswatter or similar tool. It sounds informal and may feel old-fashioned in some contexts.
3. a forceful strike on the ball, especially in baseball when it carries deep into
a forceful strike on the ball, especially in baseball when it carries deep into the field
The rookie's swat cleared the wall and tied the game.
a swat that travels a long distance
Fans roared after Quinn's swat landed deep in the right-field seats.
One powerful swat sent the baseball bouncing off the scoreboard.
The commentator replayed Lucas's swat from three camera angles.
文法句型
a swat that + result
someone's swat + verb
用法筆記
This noun is mostly heard in sports reporting. It suggests a memorable hit rather than an ordinary contact with the ball.
4. a strong, sharp blow that lands with noticeable force
a strong, sharp blow that lands with noticeable force
The boxer dropped after a swat to the side of the head.
a swat to + body part
A swat from the branch knocked the hat off Mauricio's bike helmet.
The thief stumbled when the guard landed a swat across the shoulder.
A heavy swat from the loose door bruised Eshe's forearm.
文法句型
a swat to + body part
land a swat across + area
用法筆記
Compared with noun sense 1, this use focuses on force and impact rather than on one quick practical movement.