strap

/stræp/

Friendly

Word: Strap

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Usage Instructions:

• Use "strap" when referring to physical items that are long and narrow.
• Use the verb form when talking about fastening or securing something.

Examples:

1. Noun: "I need a strap to hold my suitcase shut."
2. Noun: "The bag has a comfortable shoulder strap."
3. Verb: "Make sure to strap the box to the roof of the car so it doesn’t fall off."
4. Verb: "He strapped his ankle after twisting it during the game."

Advanced Usage:

• When talking about safety equipment: "Always strap yourself in with the seatbelt when driving."
• In sports: "The athlete strapped his wrist for extra support during the game."

Word Variants:

• Strapped (adjective): This can mean being in a difficult situation, often due to financial constraints. For example, "I’m strapped for cash this month."
• Strapping (adjective): This can describe someone who is tall and strong. For example, "He is a strapping young man."

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Object: A strap can refer to any long, narrow band used for binding or holding.
2. Transportation: In buses or trains, a strap can be a handle that passengers hold onto for balance.
3. Punishment: Historically, it can refer to a whip made of leather.

Synonyms:

• For the noun: band, belt, thong, ribbon, cord
• For the verb: fasten, secure, bind, tie

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Strapped for cash": This means to be short on money.
• "Strap in": This means to secure oneself in place, often used when preparing for something exciting or dangerous (like a rollercoaster).

Conclusion:

The word "strap" can describe both an object used for holding or binding and an action of securing something. It has various uses in everyday language, from fashion to safety and even in idiomatic expressions.

Academic

Noun

1. whip consisting of a strip of leather used in flogging
2. a band that goes over the shoulder and supports a garment or bag
3. hanger consisting of a loop of leather suspended from the ceiling of a bus or train; passengers hold onto it
4. an elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position

Verb

1. secure (a sprained joint) with a strap
2. sharpen with a strap
   • strap a razor
3. beat severely with a whip or rod
   • The teacher often flogged the students
   • The children were severely trounced
4. tie with a strap

Synonyms

• shoulder strap
• flog
• welt
• whip
• lather
• lash
• slash
• trounce