noun

swatting

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Swatting (noun) means a prank or attack in which someone makes a false report to police to get an armed SWAT team sent to a victim's address. Example: “The streamer was the target of swatting after his address leaked online.”

noun

A prank or attack in which someone makes a false report to police to get an armed SWAT team sent to a victim's address.

"The streamer was the target of swatting after his address leaked online."

"Several police departments now train dispatchers to recognize signs of swatting calls."

How to use swatting

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCalling in a fake emergency to trick police into raiding someone's house, usually as an act of harassment.

When to use it

Swatting is a serious crime in most places, not a harmless prank — it has led to injuries and deaths.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: swattings

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The streamer was the target of _____ after his address leaked online.

Etymology

Built from "swat" (as in the SWAT police unit) plus the "-ing" ending.

Rhymes for swatting

batting patting ratting chatting scatting squatting

See all rhymes for swatting →

Frequently asked questions

What does “swatting” mean?

The word “swatting” means a prank or attack in which someone makes a false report to police to get an armed SWAT team sent to a victim's address. In plain terms, calling in a fake emergency to trick police into raiding someone's house, usually as an act of harassment.

How do you use “swatting” in a sentence?

Here is “swatting” used in a sentence: “The streamer was the target of swatting after his address leaked online.”

What part of speech is “swatting”?

“Swatting” is a noun.

What is the meaning of swatting?

"swatting" (noun) means a prank or attack in which someone makes a false report to police to get an armed SWAT team sent to a victim's address.