Snatch

/snætʃ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A quick or sudden act of taking something.

The snatch of the prize was unexpected for the entire team.

A short period of sleep.

She took a quick snatch of sleep during her break.

verb

To quickly seize or grasp something.

She snatched the book off the table before anyone else could reach it.

To take someone or something away suddenly.

The thief snatched her purse and ran away.

To grab or take something abruptly or swiftly.

He snatched the last slice of pizza before it disappeared.

Middle English, likely from Old Norse 'snappa' meaning to seize.

snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

To succeed in a way that was unlikely after appearing to be beaten.

in a snatch

In a quick or hurried manner.

snatch at

To attempt to grab something with a quick movement.

snatcher

A person who snatches.

snatching

The act of grabbing quickly.

snatchable

Able to be snatched.

To steal or take something, often in a casual or opportunistic way.

He snatched that wallet right out of her bag.

Referring to a sudden sexual encounter.

They had a quick snatch behind the club.