an elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position
"He tightened the worn leather strap around his backpack to keep it secure while hiking."
hanger consisting of a loop of leather suspended from the ceiling of a bus or train; passengers hold onto it
"As the subway car swayed, I grabbed the overhead strap to steady myself against the sudden stop."
a band that goes over the shoulder and supports a garment or bag
"The strap of her heavy leather satchel dug into her shoulder after she carried it all day."
whip consisting of a strip of leather used in flogging
"The old sheriff kept his heavy strap on the table, ready to administer justice for any minor infraction."
A long, narrow, pliable strip of leather, cloth, or the like.
"She adjusted her bag's strap to make sure it wouldn't dig into her shoulder during the hike."
In plain English: A strap is a long, narrow piece of material used to hold something together or support it.
"He adjusted his backpack strap before walking to school."
tie with a strap
"She quickly strapped her hiking boots to the side of her backpack before climbing up the steep trail."
secure (a sprained joint) with a strap
"After twisting his ankle on the trail, he carefully strapped it to stabilize the swollen joint before continuing the hike."
To beat or chastise with a strap; to whip, to lash.
"The angry father grabbed the leather strap and prepared to punish his son for breaking the window."
In plain English: To strap something means to fasten it securely with a strap or belt.
"She had to strap her luggage onto the roof rack before leaving for the trip."
Usage: Use this verb specifically when describing physical punishment involving a belt-like implement rather than general beating. It is often confused with synonyms like "whip," but implies the distinct use of a strap as the instrument of discipline.
The word "strap" comes from the Latin stroppus, meaning a band or thong. It entered English via Old French and Late Old English to describe a loop on a harness before evolving into its modern sense of a strong strip of leather used for fastening or carrying things.