Snatch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
snatch
[snรฆtส ]
Definitions
grab quickly
To seize or grasp abruptly, suddenly, or hastily.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| snatch |
Typically used to describe a quick, often forceful, taking of something, sometimes with the implication of stealing.
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| grab |
Used to describe taking hold of something quickly and firmly. It can also imply an action done in haste or without much thought.
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| seize |
Usually implies taking something by force or with authority, and often has a more formal or serious tone.
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| snag |
Means to catch or obtain something quickly, often used in a casual or informal setting. It can also refer to catching something accidentally on a protruding object.
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| catch |
Commonly used for intercepting or seizing something in motion, like a ball or an object being thrown. It can also mean to capture someone's attention or a moment.
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Examples of usage
- He snatched the phone out of my hand.
- She snatched the toy away from her little brother.
the act of snatching
A quick, sudden movement to grasp or seize something.
Synonyms
catching, grabbing, seizure, snagging.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| snatch |
Commonly used to describe quickly taking something, often without permission, and can have a negative connotation.
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| grabbing |
Typically used for taking something quickly and forcefully, and may or may not have a negative connotation depending on context.
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| seizure |
Often used in a legal or medical context, indicating taking possession of something, especially by force or authority. In medicine, it refers to an episode of abnormal brain activity.
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| snagging |
Often used informally to describe catching or obtaining something quickly, usually in a positive or neutral sense. It can also mean catching or tearing on something.
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| catching |
Usually describes capturing or stopping something in motion, such as a ball or an event. It generally does not carry a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The snatch of the purse happened so fast that nobody saw who did it.
- The snatch of the medal from the winner's hand was caught on camera.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In popular movies, snatching often symbolizes betrayal or surprise, like in heist films where a character stealthily takes the treasure.
- The word also appears in various song lyrics, often expressing themes of taking chances or moments quickly.
- TV shows often use 'snatch' in humorous contexts, such as a character misinterpreting a friend's intentions.
Psychology
- Rapid grabbing or snatching can indicate impulsive behavior, where individuals act without thinking.
- Studies suggest that people might snatch items when feeling threatened or under stress, showcasing a fight-or-flight response.
- The sensation of 'snatching' can trigger adrenaline, as the action is often quick and unexpected, heightening excitement.
Sports
- In weightlifting, 'snatch' refers to a technique where a weightlifter lifts a barbell from the ground to above their head in one swift move.
- This method requires not just strength but also agility and timing, paralleling the quickness implied in its everyday usage.
- The sport has multiple styles, but the 'snatch' is one of the most dramatic, often showcased in competitions.
Slang
- In contemporary slang, 'snatch' can also refer to taking something without permission in a playful or cheeky sense.
- Evolving slang often morphs everyday words into terms of endearment or playful banter amongst friends.
- Like other colloquial terms, it might carry different connotations in various regions or social groups.
Origin of 'snatch'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'snatch' comes from the Middle English 'sna(c)hten', which means to seize or grab.
- Its roots can be traced to Old English 'sniฤฤan', which implies cutting or tearing, adding a sense of forcefulness.
- Historically, it was often used in contexts describing the act of taking something suddenly or unexpectedly.
The word 'snatch' originated from Middle English 'snacchen', which in turn came from Old English 'sneccan', meaning 'to seize'. The term has been used since the 14th century, evolving to its current meaning of grabbing or seizing something quickly and abruptly.