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snap

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Snap is defined as to bite, speak or close sharply or grasp quickly.

(verb)

An example of snap is a snake quickly biting a mouse.
An example of snap is someone sitting quietly as another person nags them and then suddenly yells back at them.
An example of snap is breaking off a twig from a bush.

The definition of a snap is a sudden cracking sound, break, bite, speaking in a short and angry way or any clasp that closes with a click.

(noun)

An example of snap is the sound of the cracking a whip.
An example of snap is the sound of shutting a tightly plastic container.
An example of snap is the two-part closure on a bathrobe that is frequently used instead of buttons.

See snap in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb snapped, snapping

to bring the jaws together sharply; bite suddenly: often with at: a fish snaps at bait
to snatch or grasp quickly or eagerly: with at: to snap at a chance
to speak sharply, abruptly, or irritably: often with at
to break, part, or be released suddenly, esp. with a sharp, cracking sound
to give way suddenly under strain, as nerves, resistance, etc.
to make a sudden, sharp cracking or clicking sound, as a whip
1. to close, fasten, go into place, etc. with a snapping sound: the lock snapped shut
2. to become closed or fastened by means of a snap ()
to move or act suddenly and smartly: to snap to attention
to appear to flash or sparkle, as in anger: said of the eyes

Origin: < MDu or MLowG snappen, akin to Ger schnappen < Gmc base *snab-

transitive verb

to grasp or get suddenly with or as with a bite; snatch: often with up
to break or sever suddenly or with a snapping sound
to speak or utter sharply or harshly, as in anger: often with out
to cause to make a snapping sound: to snap one's fingers
to close, fasten, put into place, etc. with a snapping sound: to snap a lid shut
to strike sharply by releasing one end of something held under tension: to snap someone with a rubber band
to cause to move suddenly and smartly: snap the ball to first base
☆ to take a snapshot of
☆ Football to put (the ball) into play by passing or handing it back between the legs to a member of the offensive backfield: said of the center

noun

a sudden bite, grasp, snatch, catch, etc.
a sudden breaking or parting
a sudden, sharp cracking or clicking sound: the snap of a whip
a short, angry utterance or manner of speaking
a brief period or spell of cold weather
any clasp or fastening that closes with a click or snap
a hard, thin cookie: gingersnaps
☆ snapshot
☆ Informal alertness, vigor, or energy
☆ Slang an easy task, job, problem, etc.
Slang a person who is easy to influence, persuade, control, etc.; tractable person
☆ Football the act of snapping the ball

Origin: MDu snap

adjective

☆ made or done quickly or on the spur of the moment without deliberation; impulsive: a snap decision
that fastens with a snap
☆ Slang simple; easy: a snap assignment

adverb

with, or as with, a snap

noun

a small nuclear power source designed to provide electricity for satellites, remote automatic weather stations, etc.

Origin: s(ystems for) n(uclear) a(uxiliary) p(ower)

See snap in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb snapped snapped, snap·ping, snaps

verb, intransitive

To make a brisk sharp cracking sound: “Logs snapped in the grate” (James Fox).
To break suddenly with a brisk, sharp, cracking sound.
a. To give way abruptly under pressure or tension: With so many people crowding onto the platform, its supports snapped.
b. To suffer a physical or mental breakdown, especially while under stress: feared that the troops would snap from fatigue.
To bring the jaws briskly together, often with a clicking sound; bite.
To snatch or grasp suddenly and with eagerness: snap at a chance to go to China.
To speak abruptly or sharply: snapped at the child.
To move swiftly and smartly: snap to attention. See Synonyms at jerk¹.
To flash or appear to flash light; sparkle: eyes that snapped with anger.
To open, close, or fit together with a click: The lock snapped shut. The jacket snaps in front.

verb, transitive

To snatch at with or as if with the teeth; bite.
To pull apart or break with a snapping sound.
To utter abruptly or sharply: The sergeant snapped out a command.
a. To cause to emit a snapping sound: snap a whip.
b. To close or latch with a snapping sound: snapped the purse shut.
To cause to move abruptly and smartly: “His head was snapped back by a sudden scream from the bed” (James Michener).
a. To take (a photograph).
b. To photograph: snapped the winner on the podium.
Football To center (a football); hike.

noun

A sudden sharp cracking sound or the action producing such a sound.
A sudden breaking.
A clasp, catch, or other fastening device that operates with a snapping sound.
A sudden attempt to bite, snatch, or grasp.
a. The sound produced by rapid movement of a finger from the thumb tip to the base of the thumb.
b. The act of producing this sound.
The sudden release of something held under pressure or tension.
A thin, crisp, usually circular cookie: a ginger snap.
a. Capacity to make a snapping sound; elasticity: This waistband has lost its snap.
b. Informal Briskness, liveliness, or energy.
A brief spell of brisk, cold weather.
Something accomplished without effort. See Synonyms at breeze¹.
a. A snapshot.
b. The taking of a snapshot.
A snap bean.
Football The passing of a football from the center to a back that initiates each play. Also called hike.

adjective

Made or done suddenly, with little or no preparation: a snap decision.
Fastening with a snap: snap pockets.
Informal Simple; easy: a snap assignment.

adverb

With a snap.

Phrasal Verbs: snap back To recover quickly. snap to To pay attention or begin complying abruptly. snap up To acquire quickly: snapped up the tickets.

Origin:

Origin: Probably from Middle English snappe, a quick bite

Origin: , probably from Middle Low German

Origin: or Middle Dutch snappen, to seize, snap

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