snatch

[ snach ]

verb (used without object)

1. to make a sudden effort to seize something, as with the hand; grab (usually followed by at ).

verb (used with object)

1. to seize by a sudden or hasty grasp:

   He snatched the old lady's purse and ran.

2. to take, get, secure, etc., suddenly or hastily.
3. to rescue or save by prompt action:

   He snatched the baby from the fire.

4. Slang. to kidnap.

noun

1. the act or an instance of snatching.
2. a sudden motion to seize something; grab:

   He made a snatch as if to stop her.

3. a bit, scrap, or fragment of something:

   snatches of conversation.

4. a brief spell of effort, activity, or any experience:

   to work in snatches.

5. Nautical. a sheave or projecting member serving as a fairlead.
6. a brief period of time.
7. Slang. an act of kidnapping.
8. Slang: Vulgar. vulva; vagina.
9. Weightlifting. a lift in which the barbell is brought in a single motion from the floor to an arms-extended position overhead.

snatch

/ snætʃ /

verb

1. tr to seize or grasp (something) suddenly or peremptorily

   he snatched the chocolate out of my hand

2. intrusually foll byat to seize or attempt to seize suddenly
3. tr to take hurriedly

   to snatch some sleep

4. tr to remove suddenly

   she snatched her hand away

5. tr to gain, win, or rescue, esp narrowly

   they snatched victory in the closing seconds

6. tr (in weightlifting) to lift (a weight) with a snatch
7. snatch one's time informal.
   to leave a job, taking whatever pay is due

noun

1. an act of snatching
2. a fragment or small incomplete part

   snatches of conversation

3. a brief spell

   snatches of time off

4. weightlifting a lift in which the weight is raised in one quick motion from the floor to an overhead position
5. slang.
   an act of kidnapping
6. slang.
   a robbery

   a diamond snatch

Derived Forms

• ˈsnatcher, noun

Other Words From

• snatcha·ble adjective
• snatcher noun
• snatching·ly adverb
• outsnatch verb (used with object)
• un·snatched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of snatch¹

1175–1225; Middle English snacche (noun), snacchen (v.) < ?; cognate with Middle Dutch snacken

Word History and Origins

Origin of snatch¹

C13 snacchen; related to Middle Dutch snakken to gasp, Old Norse snaka to sniff around

Example Sentences

When faith and patience, hope and love Have made us meet for Heav’n above; How blest the privilege to rise, Snatch’d, in a moment, to the skies!

From Project Gutenberg

A wing�d herald, gladd of soe sweet a prey, Snatch't vpp the falling starre, soe richly gay, And plants it in a precious perfum'd bedd, Amongst those lillies, wch his bosome bredd.

From Project Gutenberg

Acasto This might we do if warm'd by that bright coal Snatch'd from the altar of seraphic fire, Which touch'd Isaiah's lips, or if the spirit Of Jeremy and Amos, prophets old, Should fire the breast; but yet I call the muse And what we can will do.

From Project Gutenberg

Look'd scornful down on Alexander's might; O'er Europe's realm like Attila he rush'd, Snatch'd, rent, divided, subjugated, crush'd; Here, planted minions in his smile to reign, There, loaded monarchs with his vassal chain.

From Project Gutenberg

Snatch’d from Oblivion, there the Dunces soar, Tibbald their Monarch dubb’d, can ask no more, Nor less shall ye——now Colley gives the Word, Rouse up! and crowd into the next Record, Or, lost to Memory, no other Page Can possibly retrieve ye half an Age; And now the glad Occasion aptly calls, To break more Printers, and to spread more Stalls; To save your Names from Lethe, tho’ your Books Are doom’d the Prize of Fruiterers and Cooks.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• snippet