snag

[ snag ]

noun

1. a tree or part of a tree held fast in the bottom of a river, lake, etc., and forming an impediment or danger to navigation.
2. a short, projecting stump, as of a branch broken or cut off.
3. any sharp or rough projection.
4. a jagged hole, tear, pull, or run in a fabric, as caused by catching on a sharp projection.
5. any obstacle or impediment.
6. a stump of a tooth or a projecting tooth; snaggletooth.

verb (used with object)

, snagged, snag·ging.

1. to run or catch up on a snag.
2. to damage by so doing.
3. to obstruct or impede, as a snag does:

   He snagged all my efforts.

4. to grab; seize:

   to snag the last piece of pie.

verb (used without object)

, snagged, snag·ging.

1. to become entangled with some obstacle or hindrance.
2. to become tangled:

   This line snags every time I cast.

3. (of a boat) to strike a snag.
4. to form a snag.

snag

/ snæɡ /

noun

1. a difficulty or disadvantage

   the snag is that I have nothing suitable to wear

2. a sharp protuberance, such as a tree stump
3. a small loop or hole in a fabric caused by a sharp object
4. engineering a projection that brings to a stop a sliding or rotating component
5. a tree stump in a riverbed that is dangerous to navigation
6. a standing dead tree, esp one used as a perch by an eagle
7. slang.
   plural sausages

verb

1. tr to hinder or impede
2. tr to tear or catch (fabric)
3. intr to develop a snag
4. intr (of a boat) to strike or be damaged by a snag
5. tr to clear (a stretch of water) of snags
6. tr to seize (an opportunity, benefit, etc)

Derived Forms

• ˈsnagˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• snaglike adjective
• un·snagged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of snag¹

First recorded in 1570–80, snag is from the Old Norse word snagi point, projection

Word History and Origins

Origin of snag¹

C16: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse snaghyrndr sharp-pointed, Norwegian snage spike, Icelandic snagi peg

Idioms and Phrases

see hit a snag .

Example Sentences

It’s true that the genre’s success means that there are fake restoration videos, whose makers dirty up an object in order to clean it, and thereby snag a chunk of whatever money there is to be made from the YouTube economy.

From Los Angeles Times

Here’s how you can snag a spot.

From Los Angeles Times

Why not snag one 6.5-ounce jar for their stocking and one for your pantry while you’re placing your order?

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile in Nashville, Justin Roddick is still trying to snag a grant for his company, Concert Investor, which produces tours for up-and-coming musicians.

From Los Angeles Times

Snag a cronut at the 24-hour Seaside Donuts Bakery or an açai bowl and a Nutella croissant at the Newport Coffee Co., which opens at 6:30 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rip
• run into