Snarl: meaning, definitions and examples

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snarl

 

[ snɑːrl ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

animal behavior

To make an aggressive growling sound, typically to show anger or hostility.

Synonyms

bark, growl, roar

Examples of usage

  • The dog began to snarl at the stranger approaching the house.
  • The bear snarled as it defended its territory from intruders.
Context #2 | Verb

traffic

To become tangled or twisted, especially in a confused mass.

Synonyms

entangle, knot, tangle

Examples of usage

  • The traffic snarled up as the accident blocked the road.
  • The wires were all snarled together in a messy knot.
Context #3 | Noun

expression

An angry or confused mass of knots or tangles.

Synonyms

knot, mess, tangle

Examples of usage

  • Her hair was a snarl of curls that she struggled to comb through.
  • The fishing line was a snarl of knots that took hours to untangle.

Translations

Translations of the word "snarl" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rosnar

🇮🇳 गुर्राना

🇩🇪 knurren

🇮🇩 menggeram

🇺🇦 гарчати

🇵🇱 warczeć

🇯🇵 唸る (うなる)

🇫🇷 grogner

🇪🇸 gruñir

🇹🇷 hırıldamak

🇰🇷 으르렁거리다

🇸🇦 تذمر

🇨🇿 vrčet

🇸🇰 vrčať

🇨🇳 咆哮 (páoxiào)

🇸🇮 renčati

🇮🇸 urr

🇰🇿 арсылдау

🇬🇪 ღრენა

🇦🇿 quruldamaq

🇲🇽 gruñir

Etymology

The word 'snarl' originated from the Middle English 'snerren' which meant to snort or growl. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of tangled confusion, reflecting the dual nature of the word today. The usage of 'snarl' in both animal behavior and traffic contexts highlights the common thread of aggression and entanglement in its various meanings.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,281, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.