snap at

1. Speak irritably or abruptly to someone, as in This teacher was always snapping at the children. This use of snap transfers an animal's sudden bite at something to a verbal attack. [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

Instead of the entire plate snapping at once, it tears apart in smaller sections.

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Porter came under criticism last week for snapping at a CBS reporter and threatening to end the interview.

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The man snaps at her saying "don't tell me what to do".

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Harley is a rescue hound, of indeterminate but clearly mixed breed, who is given to leaping in the air to snap at moths and making vain but enthusiastic attempts to catch lizards.

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Harbaugh says Johnson will start at center, calling it a “valuable opportunity,” as he’s expected to play the first couple of drives — his first snaps at center ever during a game.

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Related Words

• blow up 
• boil over 
• erupt 
• rampage 
• roar 
• seethe 
• tear