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snap definition

snap (snap)

intransitive verb snapped, snapping snap′·ping

  1. to bring the jaws together sharply; bite suddenly: often with at a fish snaps at bait
  2. to snatch or grasp quickly or eagerly: with at to snap at a chance
  3. to speak sharply, abruptly, or irritably: often with at
  4. to break, part, or be released suddenly, esp. with a sharp, cracking sound
  5. to give way suddenly under strain, as nerves, resistance, etc.
  6. 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 ()
  7. to move or act suddenly and smartly to snap to attention
  8. to appear to flash or sparkle, as in anger: said of the eyes

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

transitive verb

  1. to grasp or get suddenly with or as with a bite; snatch: often with up
  2. to break or sever suddenly or with a snapping sound
  3. to speak or utter sharply or harshly, as in anger: often with out
  4. to cause to make a snapping sound to snap one's fingers
  5. to close, fasten, put into place, etc. with a snapping sound to snap a lid shut
  6. to strike sharply by releasing one end of something held under tension to snap someone with a rubber band
  7. to cause to move suddenly and smartly snap the ball to first base
  8. ☆ to take a snapshot of
  9. 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

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

Etymology: MDu snap

adjective

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

adverb

with, or as with, a snap
snap Idioms

not a snap

not a bit; not at all

snap back

to recover quickly from an illness, disappointment, etc.

snap one's fingers at

to show lack of concern for; be careless of or indifferent toward

snap out of it

to change suddenly from a bad condition to a better one; recover quickly or regain one's senses

snap someone's head off

to speak sharply or harshly to someone
SNAP definition

SNAP (snap)

noun

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

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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