What does "afterclap" mean?
An additional adverse event that occurs unexpectedly after an earlier one was thought to be over and done with.
Afterclap
/ˈæftə(ɹ)klæp/ noun, slang
noun, slang ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An additional adverse event that occurs unexpectedly after an earlier one was thought to be over and done with.
- Grammar: afterclap is listed as noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: aftereffect, afterglow, afterimage, aftermath.
- Usage evidence: […] immediatly after the Vniuersall deluge, Nimrod […] perswaded the people to secure themselues from the like after-claps, by building some stupendious Edifice, which might resist the fury of a second deluge.
How to use "afterclap"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "afterclap" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "afterclap" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "afterclap" is acting as noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 An additional adverse event that occurs unexpectedly after an earlier one was thought to be over and done with. archaic
"[…] immediatly after the Vniuersall deluge, Nimrod […] perswaded the people to secure themselues from the like after-claps, by building some stupendious Edifice, which might resist the fury of a second deluge."
- 2 A canvas curtain or tailboard at the rear of a covered wagon. South-Africa, historical
"And now the “after-clap” of the wagon was hurriedly drawn aside, and three young faces were seen peeping forth."
- 3 An unfavourable turn of events following a favourable situation; an eventuality for which one ought to be prepared. archaic
"[…] as cookes among all their sawces doo mind nothing lesse than sobernesse: so these in the abundance of their ioies, thought nothing of afterclaps […]"
- 4 The consequence (often, but not always, adverse) of an action or event.
"1753, uncredited translator, The School of Man, London: Lockyer Davis, 2nd ed., pp. 102-103, […] he loves Pleasure; but then, without any Afterclap; fain would he be gathering Roses, but he’s afraid of the Prickles."
- 5 A phenomenon occurring after a similar earlier one; a later manifestation of something.
"Emerson spoke of the Mormons. Some one had said, “They impress the common people, through their imagination, by Bible-names and imagery.” “Yes,” he said, “it is an after-clap of Puritanism. […]”"
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 A sound that follows another, especially a loud noise, such as thunder.
"[…] these Thunder-claps so dreadful before, that proceeded from the shock he gave its Enemy, were no more now but the dull Sound of those little After-claps, which denote the end of a Storm;"
- 7 A symptom of an illness, especially one that appears after the initial onset; an illness or symptom caused by exposure to a substance, an injury, etc.
"For such as haue this Gonorrhaea, neuer suspecting or fearing the afterclaps, suffer their disease, to grow on further and further till their cure will very hardly or neuer be accomplished."
- 8 Urethral discharge as a symptom of gonorrhea. obsolete, uncountable
"[…] I have known instances where the gonorrhœa has ceased without leaving any after-clap, or gleet,"
- 9 A change or attempted change to an agreement after it has been entered into; an additional charge (especially one over and above the previously agreed-upon price). obsolete
"[…] he produced my Accompt in his Book, and very generously crossed it out, but I desired a Receipt to prevent any After-claps, which he readily granted, and then I very lovingly took my Leave of him."
- 10 A child born after the one that was intended to be the last. humorous
"[…] there are only two girls. No after claps, like my sister Gresham’s little ‘Teddy;’ […]"
- 11 A sweet food, drink, or tobacco product consumed at the end of a meal. obsolete, slang
"Never speak of dinner as “grub,” “hash” or “trough-time,” nor refer to the dessert as “an after-clap.”"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"[…] immediatly after the Vniuersall deluge, Nimrod […] perswaded the people to secure themselues from the like after-claps, by building some stupendious Edifice, which might resist the fury of a second deluge."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "afterclap"?
Common synonyms include: aftereffect, afterglow, afterimage, aftermath, aftertaste, by product.
How do you use "afterclap" in a sentence?
[…] immediatly after the Vniuersall deluge, Nimrod […] perswaded the people to secure themselues from the like after-claps, by building some stupendious Edifice, which might resist the fury of a second deluge.
How do you pronounce "afterclap"?
Pronounced /ˈæftə(ɹ)klæp/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English afterclap, afterclappe, equivalent to after- + clap. Compare Low German achterklap (“afterclap”).
Etymology 2
From Afrikaans agterklap < agter (“rear, after”) + klap (“flap”).