击掌在英语中通常被称为"clap"或"applaud"。这两个词都有"鼓掌"的意思。它们都来源于拉丁语，"clap"源自"clappare"，意为"拍手"，而"applaud"源自"applaudere"，意为"称赞"。

例句：

The audience clapped when the singer finished her song. (听众在歌手演唱完后鼓掌。)

She applauded his speech. (她称赞了他的演讲。)