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Smack: meaning, definitions and examples

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smack

 

[ smæk ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

drug addiction

A slang term used to refer to heroin, especially when used intravenously. The term 'smack' originated in the 1970s and is still commonly used in the drug subculture.

Synonyms

dope, heroin, junk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
smack

Repeated term; already noted in the list.
heroin

The formal and medical term for the drug. This word is used in news reports, medical contexts, and formal conversations. It is the most neutral term among these options.

  • Heroin addiction has become a major health issue.
  • The hospital treats many cases of heroin overdose.
dope

This slang term can refer to various drugs, including heroin, but also marijuana or other substances. It is often used casually or in street slang.

  • He was arrested for possession of dope.
  • You've got to stop using dope, it's ruining your life.
junk

A derogatory slang term for heroin. It is often used to emphasize the destructive nature of the drug and may have negative connotations.

  • She's been hooked on junk for years.
  • He threw his life away for junk.

Examples of usage

  • He was caught with a bag of smack in his pocket.
  • Many young people are lured into trying smack for the first time.
Context #2 | Verb

to hit with an open hand

To slap or hit someone with an open hand, often as a form of punishment or aggression. The term 'smack' can also be used figuratively to mean to strike or hit something with force.

Synonyms

hit, slap, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
smack

Typically used when talking about a quick, sharp blow with an open hand. Often used in less serious situations.

  • He gave the mosquito a quick smack
  • She smacked the book out of his hand
slap

Used to describe a quick, forceful strike with an open hand, often in the context of expressing anger or disciplining someone. Generally, it has a more negative connotation.

  • She slapped him across the face after his rude comment
  • He received a slap on the wrist for his mistakes
strike

Can denote hitting with precision or force, and is often used in more formal or serious contexts, including professional settings like sports or martial arts, or to describe significant, strong blows.

  • He struck the punching bag with full force
  • The lightning struck the tree during the storm
hit

A general term that can be used for any act of striking someone or something with force. It is broad and can be applied in various situations, from physical confrontations to sports.

  • He hit the ball with all his strength
  • She hit him on the arm during the argument

Examples of usage

  • He smacked the table in frustration.
  • She smacked him across the face for being rude.

Translations

Translations of the word "smack" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bofetada

🇮🇳 थप्पड़

🇩🇪 Schlag

🇮🇩 tampar

🇺🇦 ляпас

🇵🇱 klaps

🇯🇵 平手打ち

🇫🇷 claque

🇪🇸 bofetada

🇹🇷 tokat

🇰🇷 때리기

🇸🇦 صفعة

🇨🇿 facka

🇸🇰 facka

🇨🇳 耳光

🇸🇮 udarec

🇮🇸 högg

🇰🇿 шапалақ

🇬🇪 სილა

🇦🇿 şillə

🇲🇽 bofetada

Etymology

The word 'smack' has a rich history with multiple meanings and origins. The noun form, referring to heroin, comes from 1970s drug subculture slang. The verb form, meaning to hit with an open hand, has roots in Old English and Middle Dutch. Over time, 'smack' has evolved to encompass a range of physical and metaphorical meanings.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,180, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.