snap

I. verb (snapped; snapping) Etymology: Dutch or Low German snappen; akin to Middle High German snappen to snap Date: 1530 intransitive verb 1. a. to make a sudden closing of the jaws ; seize something sharply with the mouth <

fish snapping at the bait

> b. to grasp at something eagerly ; make a pounce or snatch <

snap at any chance

> 2. to utter sharp biting words ; bark out irritable or peevish retorts 3. a. to break suddenly with a sharp sound <

the twig snapped

> b. to give way suddenly under strain 4. to make a sharp or crackling sound 5. to close or fit in place with an abrupt movement or sharp sound <

the lock snapped shut

> 6. a. to move briskly or sharply <

snaps to attention

> b. to undergo a sudden and rapid change (as from one condition to another) <

snap out of it

> <

snapped awake

> 7. sparkle, flash <

eyes snapping with fury

> transitive verb 1. to seize with or as if with a snap of the jaws 2. to take possession or advantage of suddenly or eagerly — usually used with up <

shoppers snapping up bargains

> 3. a. to retort to or interrupt curtly and irritably b. to utter curtly or abruptly 4. to break suddenly ; break short or in two 5. a. to cause to make a snapping sound <

snap a whip

> b. to put into or remove from a particular position by a sudden movement or with a sharp sound <

snap the lock shut

> 6. a. to project with a snap b. to put (a football) in play with a snap c. (1) to take photographically <

snapping exclusive news pictures — Current Biography

> (2) to take a snapshot of II. noun Date: 1555 1. an abrupt closing (as of the mouth in biting or of scissors in cutting) 2. a. archaic a share of profits or booty b. something that brings quick and easy profit or advantage c. something that is easy and presents no problems ; cinch 3. a small amount ; bit 4. a. an act or instance of seizing abruptly ; a sudden snatching at something b. a quick short movement <

lithe snaps of its body — Barbara Taylor

> c. a sudden sharp breaking 5. a. a sound made by snapping something <

shut the book with a snap

> b. a brief sharp and usually irritable speech or retort 6. a sudden spell of weather <

a cold snap

> 7. a catch or fastening that closes or locks with a click <

the snap of a bracelet

> 8. a flat brittle cookie — compare gingersnap 9. snapshot 10. a. the condition of being vigorous in body, mind, or spirit ; alertness, energy b. a pleasing vigorous quality 11. the act of a center's putting the football in play from its position on the ground by quickly passing it between his legs to a teammate (as a quarterback) standing behind him III. adverb Date: 1583 with a snap IV. adjective Date: 1739 1. done, made, or carried through suddenly or without deliberation <

a snap judgment

> 2. called or taken without prior warning <

a snap election

> 3. fastening with a snap <

a snap lock

> 4. unusually easy or simple <

a snap course

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