SLAPP

[ slap ]

noun

1. Also called SLAPP suit. a civil lawsuit brought as an intimidation measure against an activist.

verb (used with object)

, SLAPPed, SLAPP·ing.

1. to bring a SLAPP against.

Word History and Origins

Origin of SLAPP¹

1988, Americanism; S(trategic) L(awsuit) A(gainst) P(ublic) P(articipation)

Example Sentences

SLAPP, or strategic lawsuits against public participation, refers to court filings made to intimidate or silence critics.

From Seattle Times

The ruling went on to characterise Mr Kelly's case as what is known as a Slapp action - Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation.

From BBC

Its assistant general secretary, Séamus Dooley, described it as "extremely significant" in the context of concern over the use of Slapp lawsuits against journalists.

From BBC

The kinds of meritless lawsuits targeted by the bill are commonly referred to as strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPP.

From Seattle Times

“We had no capabilities to get them off in the dark so we just had to make sure that they bunkered down and we went in this morning and got them all out,” Woodburn State Emergency Services Commander Ashley Slapp told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

From Seattle Times