Snatch Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of SNATCH

[+ object]

1

:

to take (something) quickly or eagerly

• She snatched [=_grabbed_] the ball out of the air and ran down the court.
• An eagle swooped down and snatched one of the hens.

— often + up

• She snatched up the last copy of the book.

— often used figuratively

• trying to snatch a few moments of rest
• The company snatched him up [=hired him] as soon as he graduated from college.

2

:

to take (something or someone) suddenly from a person or place often by using force

• A man snatched [=_stole_] the old woman's purse.
• Kidnappers snatched [=_abducted_] the girl from her bedroom.
• She snatched the toy from his hands.

— sometimes + away

• She snatched her brother's toy away.

— sometimes used figuratively

• He snatched 30 rebounds in one game.
• His life was snatched away (from him) by a tragic accident. [=he died in a tragic accident]

snatch at (something)

:

to grab or try to grab (something) quickly or eagerly

• chaotic city streets where thieves snatch at tourists' wallets

— often used figuratively

• She was an ambitious person who snatched at every opportunity.

Britannica Dictionary definition of SNATCH

[count]

:

a small part of something

— usually + of

• I only caught a (short) snatch of the music/conversation/dialogue.

in snatches

:

for short periods of time

• sleeping in snatches

:

in small amounts

• The plot of the novel came to me in snatches.