snatch

American  

[snach] / snætʃ /

verb (used without object)

1. to make a sudden effort to seize something, as with the hand; grab (usually followed byat ).

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verb (used with object)

1. to seize by a sudden or hasty grasp.

   He snatched the old lady's purse and ran.

2. to take, get, secure, etc., suddenly or hastily.

3. to rescue or save by prompt action.

   He snatched the baby from the fire.

4. Slang. to kidnap.

noun

1. the act or an instance of snatching.

2. a sudden motion to seize something; grab.

   He made a snatch as if to stop her.

3. a bit, scrap, or fragment of something.

   snatches of conversation.

4. a brief spell of effort, activity, or any experience.

   to work in snatches.

5. Nautical. a sheave or projecting member serving as a fairlead.

6. a brief period of time.

7. Slang. an act of kidnapping.

8. Slang: Vulgar. vulva; vagina.

9. Weightlifting. a lift in which the barbell is brought in a single motion from the floor to an arms-extended position overhead.

snatch British  

/ snætʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to seize or grasp (something) suddenly or peremptorily

   he snatched the chocolate out of my hand

2. to seize or attempt to seize suddenly

3. (tr) to take hurriedly

   to snatch some sleep

4. (tr) to remove suddenly

   she snatched her hand away

5. (tr) to gain, win, or rescue, esp narrowly

   they snatched victory in the closing seconds

6. (tr) (in weightlifting) to lift (a weight) with a snatch

7. informal to leave a job, taking whatever pay is due

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noun

1. an act of snatching

2. a fragment or small incomplete part

   snatches of conversation

3. a brief spell

   snatches of time off

4. weightlifting a lift in which the weight is raised in one quick motion from the floor to an overhead position

5. slang an act of kidnapping

6. slang a robbery

   a diamond snatch

Other Word Forms

• outsnatch verb (used with object)
• snatchable adjective
• snatcher noun
• snatchingly adverb
• unsnatched adjective

Etymology

Origin of snatch

1175–1225; Middle English snacche (noun), snacchen (v.) < ?; cognate with Middle Dutch snacken

Explanation

When you snatch something, you grab it — either literally or figuratively. You might eagerly snatch the TV remote or your best friend's idea. Snatching can be nasty. You might snatch a lost balloon before it gets away, or snatch your cat before he can escape the room. The verb snatch can also be used in a figurative way, like when you snatch the first job offer that comes your way after graduating from college. The origin is most likely the Middle English word snacche, which means "to suddenly snap at," or in its noun form, "a trap."

Example Sentences

Even before wolves begin feeding, these birds gather nearby, ready to snatch any scraps that become available.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

"We need spectacular moments to snatch their attention in one stroke," Kang, the director, explains.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

How did it snatch the crown from “America’s Dairyland,” the motto on the license plate of Wisconsin?

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

While all eyes were on the 41-year-old star, Vonn’s teammate Breezy Johnson delivered the run of her life to snatch Olympic gold on Sunday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

Death, she often said, was waiting to snatch her from her work, and so she kept her hours of repose as brief and businesslike as possible.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• abduct
• catch
• clutch
• jerk
• jump
• kidnap
• pluck
• pull
• rescue
• seize
• snag
• steal
• win
• wrench
• wrest
• yank