SLAPP

[slap]

noun

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

verb (used with object)

SLAPPed, SLAPPing 

1. to bring a SLAPP against.

Word History and Origins

Origin of SLAPP¹

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

Example Sentences

Seth Stern, the Director of Advocacy for the Freedom of the Press Foundation, said that Trump’s lawsuits are classic examples of SLAPP, “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.”

Read more on Salon

“SLAPP strategy isn’t to win. The plaintiffs don’t intend to win. The point is to intimidate, to bleed opponents dry, that’s what Trump is doing,” Stern explained.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Salon

“SLAPP Suits” cited Trump’s 2016 campaign rally promise to “open up our libel laws, so when they” – as in, news organizations – “write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money.”

Read more on 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.

Read more on Salon