Snapping: meaning, definitions and examples

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snapping

[ˈsnæpɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sound

A sudden, sharp cracking sound or movement.

Synonyms

click, crack, pop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snapping	Identical to the first entry, snapping is best described for sudden, sharp sounds usually associated with breaking or quick movements, but it is worth noting it is also used in expressions of anger or frustration, such as snapping at someone. The tension in the room escalated, and he found himself snapping at his colleague.
crack	This word denotes a loud, sudden noise often associated with something breaking or splitting. It can also describe a narrow opening or line on a surface. There was a loud crack as the ice broke under his weight. The vase fell and hit the floor with a crack.
pop	This word often describes a light, sharp sound made by bursting or quick release, such as with balloons, bubbles, or when opening a bottle. The champagne cork popped as they celebrated. The bubble gum made a pop sound as she blew a bubble.
click	This word is usually used for a short, sharp sound made by pressing a button, especially on a computer mouse or a camera, or by the collision of hard objects briefly. He clicked the mouse to select the file. The camera clicked as she took a photo.

Examples of usage

I heard the snapping of a twig in the forest.
The snapping of his fingers caught everyone's attention.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

photography

The action or process of capturing a photograph.

Synonyms

photographing, shooting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snapping	Same as the first word 'snapping', often used casually to refer to quickly taking a photo. Repeated entry. He was snapping photos of his dog at the beach. I couldn’t stop snapping pictures of the sunset.
photographing	More formal and general term, suitable for all types of photography, professional or amateur. Used when referring to the act of taking photographs more seriously or methodically. He is photographing the wedding this Saturday. She enjoys photographing wildlife during her travels.
shooting	Commonly used in professional contexts or when referring to planned photo sessions, often involving serious equipment. Can also mean video recording but has a potential negative connotation relating to firearms. The team is shooting a new fashion campaign this week. We were shooting scenes for our new film.

Word

Description / Examples

snapping

Same as the first word 'snapping', often used casually to refer to quickly taking a photo. Repeated entry.

He was snapping photos of his dog at the beach.
I couldn’t stop snapping pictures of the sunset.

photographing

More formal and general term, suitable for all types of photography, professional or amateur. Used when referring to the act of taking photographs more seriously or methodically.

He is photographing the wedding this Saturday.
She enjoys photographing wildlife during her travels.

shooting

Commonly used in professional contexts or when referring to planned photo sessions, often involving serious equipment. Can also mean video recording but has a potential negative connotation relating to firearms.

The team is shooting a new fashion campaign this week.
We were shooting scenes for our new film.

Examples of usage

She's really good at quick snapping.
The snapping of the camera interrupted the peaceful moment.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

sudden action

To make a sudden, sharp cracking sound or movement.

Synonyms

click, crack, pop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snapping	Refer to the entry for 'snapping' above, as this is a duplicate.
crack	Refers to a sudden, sharp sound often resulting from breaking or splitting something hard. It can also be used to describe sudden loud noises like gunshots or thunder. He heard the crack of the bat as it hit the ball. The ice began to crack under their weight. There was a loud crack and then silence.
pop	Used to describe a short, explosive sound often associated with small explosions or sudden releases of pressure. It can also describe a visual 'popping' out effect in graphics. The balloons popped one by one. She heard a pop and the tire went flat. The colors in the painting really pop.
click	Used to describe a short, sharp sound often associated with the operation of mechanical devices, like a mouse or a pen. It can also be used in a figurative sense, referring to understanding or synchronization. She felt a click as she pressed the mouse button. The lock clicked open. Everything just clicked into place.

Examples of usage

He snapped his fingers to get her attention.
The branch snapped under the weight of the snow.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Middle English 'snappen,' which means to seize or catch quickly.
It has connections to various Germanic languages, where similar words indicate quick movement or noise.
The sound is imitative, meaning the word sounds like what it describes, similar to 'bang' or 'pop.'

Physics

Snapping involves rapid movement, where energy is released quickly, creating sound through vibrations.
The speed of the action can be measured in terms of velocity, typically involving forces acting on materials.
When you snap your fingers, the sound is produced by the friction of your thumb against the finger.

Pop Culture

In the movie 'The Avengers,' a character snaps his fingers to evoke significant climatic changes, influencing the fate of many.
Snap dancing became a popular trend in the 1970s, where dancers would emphasize movements with snapping sounds.
The phrase 'snap!' is often used in social media to denote a dramatic moment or an unforgettable capture.

Psychology

Snapping can be associated with spontaneous and impulsive actions, revealing aspects of human behavior under stress.
The act of snapping can act as an immediate release of tension, often perceived as an emotional outlet.
Research indicates that physical actions like snapping can help individuals focus and improve memory retention through kinesthetic learning.

Nature

In nature, certain animals, like snapping turtles, have strong jaws that can snap shut quickly to catch prey.
Many trees and plants 'snap' when under stress, such as during a strong storm, showcasing resilience.
Frogs can make a snapping sound when they close their mouths, often used to communicate or ward off threats.

Translations

Translations of the word "snapping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estalando

🇮🇳 तड़कना

🇩🇪 schnappen

🇮🇩 menjepret

🇺🇦 клацання

🇵🇱 pstryknięcie

🇯🇵 パチン

🇫🇷 claquement

🇪🇸 chasquido

🇹🇷 şaklama

🇰🇷 딸깍

🇸🇦 فرقعة

🇨🇿 louskání

🇸🇰 praskanie

🇨🇳 咔嚓

🇸🇮 pokanje

🇮🇸 smellur

🇰🇿 шертпы

🇬🇪 კლაკუნი

🇦🇿 çırpma

🇲🇽 chasquido

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,849, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15846 intrusions
15847 coolly
15848 hottest
15849 snapping
15850 defiant
15851 sipped
15852 critiques
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