snarl

¹ American  

[snahrl] / snɑrl /

verb (used without object)

1. to growl threateningly or viciously, especially with a raised upper lip to bare the teeth, as a dog.

2. to speak in a surly or threatening manner suggestive of a dog's snarl.

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verb (used with object)

1. to say by snarling.

   to snarl a threat.

noun

1. the act of snarling.

2. a snarling sound or utterance.

snarl ² American  

[snahrl] / snɑrl /

noun

1. a tangle, as of thread, hair, or wire.

2. a complicated or confused condition or matter.

   a traffic snarl.

3. a knot in wood.

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verb (used with object)

1. to bring into a tangled condition, as thread or hair.

2. to render complicated or confused.

   The questions snarled him up.

3. to raise or emboss, as parts of a thin metal vessel, by hammering on a tool snarling iron held against the inner surface of the vessel.

verb (used without object)

1. to become tangled; get into a tangle.

snarl ¹ British  

/ snɑːl /

noun

1. a tangled mass of thread, hair, etc

2. a complicated or confused state or situation

3. a knot in wood

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verb

1. (often foll by up) to be, become, or make tangled or complicated

2. to confuse mentally

3. (tr) to flute or emboss (metal) by hammering on a tool held against the under surface

snarl ² British  

/ snɑːl /

verb

1. (intr) (of an animal) to growl viciously, baring the teeth

2. to speak or express (something) viciously or angrily

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noun

1. a vicious growl, utterance, or facial expression

2. the act of snarling

Other Word Forms

• snarler noun
• snarling adjective
• snarlingly adverb
• snarly adjective

Etymology

Origin of snarl¹

First recorded in 1580–90; equivalent to obsolete snar “to snarl” (cognate with Dutch, Low German snarren, German schnarren ) + -le

Origin of snarl²

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English snarle “snare, trap”; snare ¹, -le

Example Sentences

The central bank’s task has been complicated by a new energy shock stemming from the war in Iran, which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and threatens to again snarl global supply chains.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

He loved to say it on the stump with his trademark snarl and jabbing finger.

From Salon • Dec. 11, 2025

Notably, the spokesperson ruled out the use of nets to intercept boats, which Le Monde has previously reported could be used to snarl the propellers of the boats.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

The storm could snarl traffic in Los Angeles and Ventura counties as the bulk of the rain is expected in those counties on Thursday afternoon and evening, bringing ponding of water on roadways.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2025

“Nothing,” she said, “upsets me more than being hungry; I snarl and snap and burst into tears.”

From "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson

Related Words

• bark
• growl
• mutter