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

The house builder is also dealing with complaints about flooding and outstanding snagging issues on other developments including in one in Cambridgeshire.

From BBC

About five hours after the fire ignited near Somis around 9 a.m. on Nov. 6, some firefighters hit a snag in their response efforts.

From Los Angeles Times

Breakout pop stars Sabrina Carpenter and Chapell Roan have snagged nominations in all of the "big four" categories - album, song and record of the year, and best new artist.

From BBC

After beating two defensive backs on a deep angle route midway through the third quarter, he snagged a 48-yard touchdown pass that provided the winning margin during the Bruins’ 27-20 victory over Nebraska.

From Los Angeles Times

Order online, or grab merch at any of the eight L.A.-area cafes where you might also consider snagging a couple bags of beans to fill out that tote.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rip
• run into