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
7. 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 ()
8. to move or act suddenly and smartly to snap to attention
9. 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