snap

verb

\ ˈsnap

snapped; snapping

Definition of snap

(Entry 1 of 4)

intransitive verb

1a : 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

3a : to break suddenly with a sharp sound the twig snapped

b : to give way suddenly under emotional stress or strain He snapped under the pressure of the job.

4a : to make a sharp or crackling sound

b : to use your thumb and fingers to make a short sharp sound People snapped to the beat.

5 : to close or fit in place with an abrupt movement or sharp sound the lock snapped shut

6a : 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

3a : to retort to or interrupt curtly and irritably

b : to utter curtly or abruptly

4 : to break suddenly : break short or in two

5a : to cause to make a snapping sound snap a whip

b : to make a snapping sound by moving (thumb and finger) against one another

c : to put into or remove from a particular position by a sudden movement or with a sharp sound snap the lock shut

6a : to project with a snap snapped a spitball across the classroom

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 snapped the scenery

snap

noun

Definition of snap (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : an abrupt closing (as of the mouth in biting or of scissors in cutting)

2a 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

4a : 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

5a : 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

10a : the condition of being vigorous in body, mind, or spirit : alertness, energy

b : a pleasing vigorous quality

11 football : the act of a center's putting the ball in play from its position on the ground by quickly passing it between the legs back to a teammate (such as a quarterback) : the act of snapping the ball The quarterback fumbled the snap. [=fumbled the ball when it was snapped to him]