Swatting: meaning, definitions and examples

crimes, harassment

Swatting is the act of falsely reporting an emergency, typically involving a threat of imminent violence, to provoke a response from law enforcement. This elaborate hoax often leads to armed police units being dispatched to the victim's location, creating a dangerous situation. Swatting has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of online gaming and streaming communities, where individuals may use this tactic against their rivals or perceived enemies. It not only poses severe risks to the targeted individuals but also wastes law enforcement resources and can have serious legal repercussions for the perpetrators.

false report, hoax, malicious prank

Examples of usage

• He was a victim of swatting during a gaming live stream.

• The police received a false report, leading to a swatting incident.

• Swatting has severe consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator.

• She became an unwitting target of swatting after gaining fame online.