SLAPP

American

[slap] / slæp /

noun

Also called SLAPP suit. a civil lawsuit brought as an intimidation measure against an activist.

verb (used with object)

SLAPPed, SLAPPing

to bring a SLAPP against.

Etymology

Origin of SLAPP

1988, S(trategic) L(awsuit) A(gainst) P(ublic) P(articipation)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These laws, which stand for anti–strategic lawsuit against public participation law, or SLAPP, are meant to stop frivolous lawsuits by powerful companies and individuals looking to silence their critics and suppress protected speech.

From Slate

Oliver warned his audience that something like this might happen in a 2019 “Last Week Tonight” episode titled “SLAPP Suits.”

From Salon

At the end of "SLAPP Suits," the host celebrates with a massive, Broadway-style victory dance that makes previous punchlines at Murray’s expense look cheap and small.

From Salon

The "SLAPP Suits" episode of "Last Week Tonight with Oliver" is available on YouTube.

From Salon

SLAPP, or strategic lawsuits against public participation, refers to court filings made to intimidate or silence critics.

From Seattle Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023