nab

¹

[ nab ]

verb (used with object)

, Informal.

, nabbed, nab·bing.

1. to arrest or capture.
2. to catch or seize, especially suddenly.
3. to snatch or steal.

NAB

²

1. Also N.A.B. National Association of Broadcasters.
2. New American Bible.

nab

/ næb /

verb

1. to arrest
2. to catch (someone) in wrongdoing
3. to seize suddenly; snatch

Other Words From

• nabber noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nab¹

1675–85; earlier nap; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish nappe, Norwegian, Swedish nappa to snatch

Word History and Origins

Origin of nab¹

C17: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish nappe, Swedish nappa to snatch. See kidnap

Example Sentences

By a large margin, it's the youngest women they believe they can plausibly nab.

From The Daily Beast

It took British authorities years to nab Altaf Hussain, the infamous Pakistani cult/party leader.

From The Daily Beast

This is not the first time the site has been willing to dole out big bucks to nab public figures.

From The Daily Beast

I know how hard it is to even try and nab Bill for an interview—going through his lawyer, etc.—so how did you corral him?

From The Daily Beast

There were plenty of armed and uniformed posse members helping out or looking for unauthorized immigrants to nab.

From The Daily Beast

The day is one that will long be remembered by those who took part in the trips round the Nab.

From Project Gutenberg

When you nab them, you feel as if they hadn't a fair show; it hardly seems a sporting proposition.

From Project Gutenberg

One knows these gentlemen the Parisian police: how they cry a wolf and then go out and nab some stray puppy in the street.

From Project Gutenberg

Down below, Nab runs out a bare black arm into the sea, which even in the calmest weather angrily foams along the windward side.

From Project Gutenberg

Judging it correctly, he turned his back and ran; then, whirling about just in time, put up a single hand to nab the ball.

From Project Gutenberg