WordLens

strap

1 of 2verb
/stræp/
Forms:straps,strapping,strapped,strapped
1

to securely tie or fasten using a long, narrow piece of material

transitive
  • The hiker will strap the backpack securely before setting out on the trail.
  • The cyclist will strap the helmet tightly for safety during the ride.
  • To secure the load, the truck driver will strap the cargo with heavy-duty straps.
  • The diver will strap the oxygen tank securely before entering the water.
Antonyms:
2

to bind or cover a wound or an injured part of the body with a strip of cloth

transitive
  • He strapped his ankle tightly with a bandage to provide support and reduce swelling after twisting it.
  • After the surgery, the doctor instructed the patient's caregiver on how to strap the wound to aid in the recovery process.
  • She knew the importance of proper wound care, so she meticulously cleaned the cut before strapping it.
  • The paramedic quickly arrived on the scene and immediately began to strap the injured cyclist's arm with a compression bandage.
3

to sharpen an object, especially a blade, by rubbing it against a strap or strop

transitive
  • The barber meticulously strapped his straight razor before each shave to ensure a precise and clean cut.
  • The chef regularly straps his kitchen knives to maintain their sharpness.
  • Before heading out for a hunting trip, he straps his hunting knife to ensure it's sharp enough to cleanly skin and butcher game.
  • The leatherworker carefully straps his tools to keep their edges keen.
  • As a carpenter, he knows the importance of a sharp chisel, so he straps it regularly to maintain its cutting edge.
4

to inflict physical punishment, typically by striking someone with a strip of leather or similar material

transitive
  • The cruel headmaster used to strap disobedient students as a means of enforcing discipline in the school.
  • The authoritarian coach threatened to strap any player who showed disrespect or defiance during practice.
  • Back in the old days, teachers were allowed to strap students for failing to complete their homework assignments.
  • The abusive husband would often strap his wife with a leather belt, leaving bruises and scars as evidence of his violence.
  • The strict nun would strap the knuckles of any student caught misbehaving in the classroom.