nab
[nab]
- to arrest or capture.
- to catch or seize, especially suddenly.
- to snatch or steal.
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Origin of nab
1675–85; earlier nap; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish nappe, Norwegian, Swedish nappa to snatch
NAB
- Also N.A.B. National Association of Broadcasters.
- New American Bible.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for nab
Contemporary Examples
It took British authorities years to nab Altaf Hussain, the infamous Pakistani cult/party leader.
This is not the first time the site has been willing to dole out big bucks to nab public figures.
I know how hard it is to even try and nab Bill for an interview—going through his lawyer, etc.—so how did you corral him?
There were plenty of armed and uniformed posse members helping out or looking for unauthorized immigrants to nab.
Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio to Send Armed Posses to Protect SchoolsTerry Greene Sterling
January 9, 2013
Police hope to catch the attacker by using the same science that allowed them to nab the suspected ‘Grim Sleeper’ serial killer.
Historical Examples
At all events, I don't mean to let the 'coppers' nab me this time.
The Fat and the ThinEmile Zola
Oh, I do hope that the constables get here in time to nab Mr. Fits.
The Grammar School Boys SnowboundH. Irving Hancock
We'll probably beat you to Skiddyunk, but if we don't, nab 'em if they get on.
Roy Blakeley's Camp on WheelsPercy Keese Fitzhugh
So, all I had to do was to wait and nab 'em when they came ashore.
Cabbages and KingsO. Henry
We've got to find where that is and get the secret service men there in time to nab them.
The Secret WirelessLewis E. Theiss
nab
- to arrest
- to catch (someone) in wrongdoing
- to seize suddenly; snatch
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Word Origin
C17: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish nappe, Swedish nappa to snatch. See kidnap
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for nab
v.
"to catch (someone)," 1680s, probably a variant of dialectal nap "to seize, catch, lay hold of" (1670s, now surviving only in kidnap), which possibly is from Scandinavian (cf. Norwegian nappe, Swedish nappa "to catch, snatch;" Danish nappe "to pinch, pull"); reinforced by Middle English napand "grasping, greedy." Related: Nabbed; nabbing.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper