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Definition of Claptrap
1. Noun. Pompous or pretentious talk or writing.
Generic synonyms: Grandiloquence, Grandiosity, Magniloquence, Ornateness, Rhetoric
Derivative terms: Bombastic, Rant
Definition of Claptrap
1. n. A contrivance for clapping in theaters.
2. a. Contrived for the purpose of making a show, or gaining applause; deceptive; unreal.
Definition of Claptrap
1. Noun. Empty verbiage or nonsense. (defdate from early 19th c.) ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Claptrap
1. pretentious language [n -S]
Lexicographical Neighbors of Claptrap
Literary usage of Claptrap
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. The Missions and Missionaries of California by Zephyrin Engelhardt (1913)
"Talk of Schools Mere claptrap.—Epilogue.—Real Aims of the Mission Enemies.—Victoria
Defender of Indian Rights and Property. ART. 18. ..."
2. Personal Recollections of Werner Von Siemens by Werner von Siemens (1893)
"The political and national claptrap. the emptiness of which was only revealed by
the subsequent events. exerted its full effect upon the masses. and its ..."
3. The Pocket Lacon: Comprising Nearly One Thousand Extracts from the Best Authors edited by John Taylor (1839)
"The plausible claptrap of tempering justice with mercy is stark nonsense, nonsense
in its very terms; consider the grand force of the word just, ..."
4. Great Violinists and Pianists: Corelli to Paderewski by George Titus Ferris (1895)
"The Hater of Musical claptrap.—Famous while yet a Boy.—Life in Berlin.—His Annual
Visits to London.—Essential Qualities and Ideals as a Violinist. ..."
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