Swat
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3
Physical action
Used when describing a quick, usually small, hitting movement by a person. She swatted his hand away as he reached for the cookie.
Pro Tip 2/3
Common with insects
Often used when trying to hit a flying insect like a mosquito or fly. I swatted at the buzzing bees trying to land on my food.
Pro Tip 3/3
Metaphorical use
Can be used metaphorically to describe rejecting something annoying or troublesome. He swatted away all my excuses with sound arguments.