Definition

1. Noun:

   • A strip of flexible material, often leather, used for fastening, securing, or carrying: A "strap" is a long, narrow piece of material, such as leather, cloth, or nylon, used to hold things together, support something, or act as a handle.
   • A strip of leather used for flogging: Historically, a "strap" could refer to a strip of leather used as an instrument for punishment.
   • A loop for holding onto: A "strap" can be a looped or hanging strip, often in public transport, for passengers to hold for stability.

2. Verb:

   • To fasten or secure with a strap: The action of using a strap to tie, hold, or bind something in place.
   • To sharpen (a razor) on a strip of leather: The specific action of honing the blade of a razor by moving it against a leather strap.
   • To beat with a strap: The act of striking someone, typically as punishment, with a leather strap.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She adjusted the strap of her handbag. (She adjusted the strip of material attached to her bag for carrying.)
  • The old suitcase was held shut with a leather strap. (The old suitcase was closed and secured using a long piece of leather.)
  • He held onto the strap as the bus turned. (He gripped the hanging loop for support while the bus was turning.)

• Verb:

  • He strapped the luggage to the roof of the car. (He fastened the luggage securely to the car's roof using straps.)
  • The nurse strapped the patient's arm to stabilize it. (The nurse used a band to secure the patient's arm in position.)
  • The barber straps his razor before each shave. (The barber sharpens his razor on a leather strip before using it.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be strapped for cash": To have very little money; to be financially constrained.

  • I can't go out for dinner tonight; I'm strapped for cash. (I cannot afford to go out for dinner because I have very little money.)

• "To strap in/on": To fasten oneself securely with a strap, especially a seatbelt or safety harness.

  • Please ensure all passengers strap in before takeoff. (Please make sure all passengers fasten their seatbelts before the plane departs.)

Variants and Related Words

• Strapped (adj): Often used in the idiom "strapped for cash" meaning short of money. Can also describe something fitted with straps.
• Strap-on (adj/n): Describing an object designed to be attached with straps (e.g., a strap-on camera).
• Shoulder strap (n): A strap designed to go over the shoulder to carry a bag or support a garment.
• Watchstrap (n): The band that holds a watch to the wrist.

Synonyms

• Noun: Band, belt, thong, tie, leash.
• Verb: Fasten, secure, bind, tie, lash.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Strap down: To fasten something very securely to a surface.
  • They strapped down the cargo to prevent it from moving during the storm.
• Strap up: To fasten or bandage something, often an injured limb.
  • The medic strapped up the soldier's wounded knee.

Related Idioms

• Bootstraps: Refers to the straps on boots, used in the idiom "to pull oneself up by one's bootstraps," meaning to improve one's situation through one's own efforts.
  • He came from nothing and pulled himself up by his bootstraps to build a successful company.

Noun

1. whip consisting of a strip of leather used in flogging
2. a band that goes over the shoulder and supports a garment or bag
3. hanger consisting of a loop of leather suspended from the ceiling of a bus or train; passengers hold onto it
4. an elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position

Verb

1. secure (a sprained joint) with a strap
2. sharpen with a strap
   • strap a razor
3. beat severely with a whip or rod
   • The teacher often flogged the students
   • The children were severely trounced
4. tie with a strap