noun
swatting
noun
1
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 notesIn 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.
Word Forms
swattings plural
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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.