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rap

1 rap /ˈræp/ noun
plural raps
1 rap
/ˈræp/
noun
plural raps
Britannica Dictionary definition of RAP
[count] : a quick hit or knock
[count] US, informal : a statement by police or the government saying that someone has committed a crime usually singular
see also beat the rap (below)
the rap informal : the blame or punishment for something
[count] US, informal : a complaint against someone or something : something that someone or something is criticized for usually singular

a rap on/over/across the knuckles

informal
: criticism or punishment that is given in a gentle way for something that you did wrong

beat the rap

US, informal
: to avoid being sent to jail for a crime

bum rap

informal
US : an unfair claim that someone has committed a crime or done something wrong
chiefly US : a criticism or bad opinion that is not deserved or fair
compare 3rap
2 rap /ˈræp/ verb
raps; rapped; rapping
2 rap
/ˈræp/
verb
raps; rapped; rapping
Britannica Dictionary definition of RAP
: to quickly hit or knock (something) several or many times
[+ object]
[no object]
[+ object] chiefly British : to say (something) quickly and forcefully usually + out
[+ object] : to criticize (someone or something) publicly

rap someone on/over/across the knuckles

or rap someone's knuckles
: to criticize or punish someone in a gentle way for doing something wrong
compare 4rap
3 rap /ˈræp/ noun
plural raps
3 rap
/ˈræp/
noun
plural raps
Britannica Dictionary definition of RAP
[noncount] : a type of music that has words that are spoken with the rhythm instead of being sung often used before another noun
compare 1rap
4 rap /ˈræp/ verb
raps; rapped; rapping
4 rap
/ˈræp/
verb
raps; rapped; rapping
Britannica Dictionary definition of RAP
[no object]
: to perform rap music or a rap song
informal : to talk in a free and informal way
compare 2rap