smacking

Striking with palm

Smacking is hitting with an open hand, especially as punishment for children: The debate over smacking continues in parenting circles.

It can also describe any sharp slapping sound or action: the smacking of lips, a smacking kiss.

As an intensifier, smacking emphasizes directness: smacking into the wall, a smacking good time.

punishment

spanking

Striking the buttocks

beatingRepeated striking or pulsing
slappingStriking with open palm
beltingForceful chest-voice singing

whipping · lashing · paddling · thrashing · caning · flogging · walloping · discipline · correction · chastisement

hitting

slap

Open-handed blow

hitSuccessful contact or strike
whackForceful striking blow
thumpHeavy dull blow

clout · swat · bash · wallop · punch · strike · clobber · thwack · bop · knock

sound

pop

Fizzy drink, regionally

crackNarrow break or attempt
snapSudden sharp sound
thwackSharp striking sound

clap · slurp · smush · splat · thud · whap · crackle · squelch · kiss · chomping

flavor

tangy

Sharp and lively-tasting

zestyLively in flavor
boldCourageous and daring
pungentSharply strong-smelling

sharp · strong · punchy · intense · bracing · vivid · robust · pronounced · striking · powerful

collision

crashing

Colliding with force

bumpingLight repeated collision
bangingStriking with force
slammingClosing with violent force

colliding · impact · thudding · whacking · bashing · plowing · ramming · crunching · hitting · cracking

lips

kissing

Lip-to-lip contact

savoringEnjoying something slowly
tastingSampling for flavor
lickingTongue contact repeatedly

slurping · relishing · anticipation · gusto · enjoying · chomping · munching · delicious · yummy · appetizing

Categories

bodily harmhurt, injure, wound, harm, injuries
mouth actionsbite, biting, chewing, chew, swallowing
beatingsbeating, thrashing, pummeling, pounding, battering
corporal punishmentflogging, whipping, caning, lashing, beating
violenceviolence, physical attack, brutality, physical violence, aggression

Opposites

physical contact force

smackingcaressing

Touching with affection

stroking · gentle touch · soft touch · petting · brushing

intent/nature of touch

smackingcaressing

Touching with affection

embracing · hugging · cuddling · soothing · comforting

physical engagement vs. restraint

smackingrefraining

Choosing not to act

abstaining · holding back · non-contact · withholding

Phrases

smacking lips
lip smackingExpressing gustatory pleasure aloud

Family

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG