snap

¹snap

verb \ˈsnap\

snappedsnap·ping

Definition of SNAP

intransitive verb

1

a : to make a sudden closing of the jaws : seize something sharply with the mouth <fish snapping at the bait> b : to grasp at something eagerly : make a pounce or snatch <snap at any chance>

2

: to utter sharp biting words : bark out irritable or peevish retorts

3

a : to break suddenly with a sharp sound <the twig snapped> b : to give way suddenly under strain

4

: to make a sharp or crackling sound

5

: to close or fit in place with an abrupt movement or sharp sound <the lock snapped shut>

6

a : to move briskly or sharply <snaps to attention> b : to undergo a sudden and rapid change (as from one condition to another) <snap out of it> <snapped awake>

7

: sparkle, flash <eyes snapping with fury>

transitive verb

1

: to seize with or as if with a snap of the jaws

2

: to take possession or advantage of suddenly or eagerly —usually used with up <shoppers snapping up bargains>

3

a : to retort to or interrupt curtly and irritably b : to utter curtly or abruptly

4

: to break suddenly : break short or in two

5

a : to cause to make a snapping sound <snap a whip> b : to put into or remove from a particular position by a sudden movement or with a sharp sound <snap the lock shut>

6

a : to project with a snap b : to put (a football) in play with a snap c (1) : to take photographically <snapping exclusive news pictures — Current Biography> (2) : to take a snapshot of

Examples of SNAP

1. The branch snapped and fell to the ground.
2. The earpiece of his glasses snapped off.
3. She snapped the twig in two.
4. The boy snapped the wing off his toy airplane.
5. The bent tree snapped back into an upright position.
6. I snapped the lid shut.
7. She snapped the pieces together.
8. She snapped her handbag shut.

Origin of SNAP

Dutch or Low German snappen; akin to Middle High German snappen to snap

First Known Use: 1530

Related to SNAP

Synonyms: bark, snarl

Antonyms: plateau, stabilize

Related Words: growl, grumble; roar, scream, shout, shriek, yell; fulminate, rage, rant, rave, sputter, storm, tee off, vent, vituperate; blow up, explode, flare (up), flip (out) [slang]

Near Antonyms: calm (down), simmer down

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Rhymes with SNAP

cap, chap, clap, crap, flap, frap, gap, gape, hap, knap, lap, Lapp, map, nap, nape, nappe, pap, rap, sap, scrap, slap, strap, tap, trap, wrap, yap, Yap, zap