Swatted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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swatted
[ˈswɒtɪd ]
Definition
action, gaming
Swatted refers to the act of making a false report to emergency services, leading to a heavily armed police response at a particular location. This term is especially associated with online gaming communities, where one player may seek revenge or intimidate another by causing a SWAT team to be dispatched to their address. The act is not only illegal but can also put lives at risk and is considered a serious crime in many jurisdictions.
Synonyms
falsely report, hoax alert, prank call.
Examples of usage
- He was swatted during his live stream.
- The gamer received a call and was swatted.
- Swatting incidents have increased in recent years.
- Authorities are cracking down on swatted calls.
Translations
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Origin of 'swatted'
The term 'swat' originates from the special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams used by law enforcement agencies for high-risk operations. It gained traction in the early 2000s, particularly within the realm of online gaming and internet culture. The first recorded instances of swatting can be traced back to incidents where individuals maliciously reported false emergencies to provoke a police response, often targeting streamers or fellow gamers. As these cases became more publicized, the term 'swatting' became widely recognized, leading to legal repercussions and increased awareness of the seriousness of the act. The combination of technology and anonymity in internet interactions has facilitated the rise of swatting, prompting law enforcement and legislators to address the issue more forcefully.