snatched
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of snatched
First recorded in 1990–95; origin uncertain; possibly from regional American snatching “attractive” (1962); possibly from Black drag culture, where stage performers wear weaves (artificial hairweaves), and if something is amazingly good ( snatched ), it may snatch one's weave off, knock one's socks off (but the connection is unclear)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sharpton says some legal residents he encountered around Cleveland feared being "snatched up and deported."
From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026
Most often, when she seems on the verge of acceptance, happiness is snatched back from her — a nasty game.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026
Shah told parliament on Wednesday the disaster "snatched away mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers from us in an instant".
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
Her mother wasn’t an admirer of the art Kusama started creating at around age 10, and she often snatched away her paintings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
He was snatched and rushed aloft, sick with fear, into the ominous air.
From "Abel's Island" by William Steig
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