Snatching: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mostly when someone quickly takes something from someone else by force or without permission. Often occurs in public places.

• The thief was arrested for snatching a woman's purse in the park.
• He made a quick snatch and took the phone from the table.

Similar to stealing, theft refers to the act of taking someone's property without their permission. Often used in formal or legal contexts.

• He was accused of theft after the missing items were found in his car.
• Petty thefts are common in the city.

Refers to the act of taking something valuable from a person or place, typically using force or the threat of force. Often happens in homes, banks, or stores.

• There was a robbery at the bank last night.
• She was a victim of a violent robbery on her way home.

A general term that means taking something without permission, regardless of method or location. Can apply to both physical objects and abstract items like ideas.

• Stealing is a crime, and you can go to jail for it.
• She was caught stealing candy from the store.

Used to describe the act of taking something quickly and often aggressively. It can have a negative connotation, indicating theft or sudden, forceful action.

• He was caught snatching a purse from an old lady.
• The thief was snatching phones in the busy subway.

Used in informal settings to describe the act of taking something quickly, usually without much force. It can be neutral or casual.

• Can you grab the salt for me?
• He grabbed a sandwich before leaving for work.

Used to describe the act of taking something with force or authority, often implying legal or official action. It frequently carries a sense of urgency and seriousness.

• The police seized a large quantity of drugs.
• The government decided to seize the corrupt official's assets.

Used to describe the act of taking control or possession of something, often implying effort or planning. Common in contexts like photography, or military and sports.

• The soldiers managed to capture the enemy stronghold.
• She was able to capture the moment beautifully in her photograph.

Used when taking something quickly and often forcefully, suggesting a sudden action and sometimes dishonesty or aggression.

• The thief was snatching purses from unsuspecting pedestrians.
• She was snatching glimpses of the secret document whenever she could.

Implies taking hold of something quickly and eagerly, often used in casual situations and can imply urgency.

• Can you grab me a drink from the fridge?
• He managed to grab the last seat on the bus.

Relates to taking something by force or with authority, often used in legal, official, or strategic contexts.

• The police were authorized to seize the illegal drugs.
• They decided to seize the opportunity and invest in the new venture.

Conveys taking goods by force, typically during a war or conflict, and has a negative connotation of theft and destruction.

• The invading army plundered the village, leaving nothing behind.
• Pirates were known to plunder ships on the high seas.