snarl
1[ snahrl ]
/ snɑrl /
verb (used without object)
to growl threateningly or viciously, especially with a raised upper lip to bare the teeth, as a dog.
to speak in a surly or threatening manner suggestive of a dog's snarl.
verb (used with object)
to say by snarling: to snarl a threat.
noun
the act of snarling.
a snarling sound or utterance.
Nearby words
Origin of snarl
11580–90; earlier snarle, equivalent to obsolete snar to snarl (cognate with Dutch, Low German snarren, German schnarren) + -le
Related formssnarl·er, nounsnarl·ing·ly, adverb
Definition for snarl (2 of 2)
snarl
2[ snahrl ]
/ snɑrl /
noun
a tangle, as of thread, hair, or wire.
a complicated or confused condition or matter: a traffic snarl.
a knot in wood.
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
to become tangled; get into a tangle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for snarl
British Dictionary definitions for snarl (1 of 2)
snarl
1/ (snɑːl) /
verb
(intr) (of an animal) to growl viciously, baring the teeth
to speak or express (something) viciously or angrily
noun
a vicious growl, utterance, or facial expression
the act of snarling
Derived Formssnarling, adjectivesnarlingly, adverbsnarly, adjective
Word Origin for snarl
C16: of Germanic origin; compare Middle Low German snarren, Middle Dutch snarren to drone
British Dictionary definitions for snarl (2 of 2)
snarl
2/ (snɑːl) /
noun
a tangled mass of thread, hair, etc
a complicated or confused state or situation
a knot in wood
verb
(often foll by up) to be, become, or make tangled or complicated
(tr often foll by up) to confuse mentally
(tr) to flute or emboss (metal) by hammering on a tool held against the under surface
Derived Formssnarler, nounsnarly, adjective
Word Origin for snarl
C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Swedish snarel noose, Old Norse snara snare 1
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