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

And is the IRS bothering to nab these “cheaters?”

From Los Angeles Times

Previously, she’d sometimes try to nab a first-come, first-served area, but would find herself scrambling if someone else had gotten there first.

From Los Angeles Times

Post-surgery, I did nab a few opportunities as a “talking head,” including in pop culture docuseries.

From Slate

Hamm will be nominated for playing the suave, space-loving billionaire on “The Morning Show,” and he will also nab a nod playing the delusional, power-mad Christian nationalist sheriff on “Fargo.”

From Los Angeles Times

I arrived early enough on Friday afternoon that most of the vendors weren’t yet open, but hesitated too long to nab one of the open seats at KazuNori.

From Los Angeles Times