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