snarl

intransitive verb

1. to growl fiercely, baring the teeth, as a threatening dog
2. to speak harshly and sharply, as in anger, impatience, etc.

Origin: extended from earlier snar, to growl, akin to Swed snarra, MHG, MDu, MLowG snarren, to growl < IE echoic base *(s)ner-, *(s)nur- > sneer, snore, OIce norn, Norn

transitive verb

noun

1. a fierce, harsh growl
2. a harsh utterance expressing anger, impatience, etc.

transitive verb

1. to make (thread, hair, etc.) knotted or tangled
2. to make disordered or confused; complicate: to snarl traffic
3. to ornament (metalwork) with a raised design, as by hammering

Origin: ME snarlen < snare (see snare) + -len, -le

intransitive verb

noun

1. a knotted or tangled mass or tuft; tangle: hair full of snarls
2. a confused, disordered state or situation; complication; confusion

Origin: ME snarle