SNAP


Meaning of SNAP in English

I. ˈsnap verb

( snapped ; snap·ping )

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

snap s 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 snap s 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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.