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Snatching Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snatching

[ˈsnætʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

crime

The action of quickly taking something away from someone in a sudden or forceful way, typically involving theft or robbery.

Synonyms

robbery, stealing, theft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snatching

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.
theft

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.
robbery

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.
stealing

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.

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for the snatchings of several purses in the area.
  • The police are investigating a series of snatchings in the neighborhood.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A quick, forceful, or unexpected movement in a game or sport, often resulting in gaining an advantage over the opponent.

Synonyms

capture, grab, seize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snatching

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.
grab

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.
seize

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.
capture

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.

Examples of usage

  • He scored the winning goal with a brilliant snatching of the ball from the defenders.
  • Her snatching of the ball from the opponent was crucial for the team's victory.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To take or steal something quickly or forcibly.

Synonyms

grab, plunder, seize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snatching

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.
grab

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.
seize

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.
plunder

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.

Examples of usage

  • The thief snatched her purse and ran off.
  • He snatched the opportunity to make a quick profit.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In film and literature, 'snatching' often refers to thrilling moments, like a heist or escape scenes.
  • The term is frequently used in songs and slang, where it can denote taking something attractive or desirable quickly.
  • Reality television shows sometimes play with 'snatching' as contestants vie for prizes, showcasing competition.

Psychology

  • Studies show that 'snatching' can be connected to impulse control; quick grabs can indicate a lack of patience.
  • Emotional responses during snatching moments in games may reveal how people handle stress or competition.
  • The sensation of successfully snatching something can release dopamine, making it feel rewarding.

Literature

  • Many authors use 'snatching' to create tension in their narratives, often during climactic moments.
  • In children's books, characters often snatch things to teach lessons about sharing and consequences.
  • The act of 'snatching' often symbolizes a moment of change, reflecting characters' desires or fears.

Sports

  • In weightlifting, 'snatching' refers to a specific technique where the lifter raises the barbell overhead in one explosive movement.
  • Quick snatching in sports can describe surprising tactics, like intercepting a ball before an opponent can react.
  • The term is often associated with agility, showcasing the importance of speed and precision in athletic performance.

Origin of 'snatching'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'snatch' comes from the Middle English 'snatche,' which meant to seize or grab quickly.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Old Norse word 'snappa,' which also means to snap or take.
  • The evolution of 'snatching' reflects the intensity and urgency of the action across languages.

The word 'snatching' is derived from the verb 'snatch', which has been in use since the 16th century. It originated from Middle English 'snacchen', of Germanic origin. The word has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to quick, forceful actions or theft. In contemporary usage, 'snatching' is commonly associated with criminal activities and sports maneuvers.

See also: snatch, snatcher.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,689, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.