Snatching: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "snatching" in other languages:

🇵🇹 roubo

agarrar
arrebatar

🇮🇳 छीनना (chheena)

🇩🇪 Schnappen

🇮🇩 merampas

🇺🇦 викрадення

виривання
хапання

🇵🇱 kradzież

chwytanie
zrywanie

🇯🇵 ひったくり (hittakuri)

🇫🇷 vol à l'arraché

🇪🇸 arrebatar

🇹🇷 kapkaç

🇰🇷 날치기 (nalchigi)

🇸🇦 اختطاف (ikhtitaf)

🇨🇿 krádež

🇸🇰 krádež

🇨🇳 抢夺 (qiǎngduó)

🇸🇮 kraja

🇮🇸 rán

🇰🇿 ұрлау (ūrlau)

🇬🇪 გატაცება (gataceba)

🇦🇿 oğurluq

🇲🇽 arrebatar

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.

...
21686 bugle
21687 courageously
21688 moralist
21689 snatching
21690 magnetically
21691 divergences
21692 internment
...