snatch
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
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to seize by a sudden or hasty grasp.
He snatched the old lady's purse and ran.
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to take, get, secure, etc., suddenly or hastily.
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to rescue or save by prompt action.
He snatched the baby from the fire.
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Slang. to kidnap.
noun
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the act or an instance of snatching.
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a sudden motion to seize something; grab.
He made a snatch as if to stop her.
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a bit, scrap, or fragment of something.
snatches of conversation.
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a brief spell of effort, activity, or any experience.
to work in snatches.
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Nautical. a sheave or projecting member serving as a fairlead.
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a brief period of time.
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Slang. an act of kidnapping.
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Slang: Vulgar. vulva; vagina.
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Weightlifting. a lift in which the barbell is brought in a single motion from the floor to an arms-extended position overhead.
verb
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(tr) to seize or grasp (something) suddenly or peremptorily
he snatched the chocolate out of my hand
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to seize or attempt to seize suddenly
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(tr) to take hurriedly
to snatch some sleep
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(tr) to remove suddenly
she snatched her hand away
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(tr) to gain, win, or rescue, esp narrowly
they snatched victory in the closing seconds
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(tr) (in weightlifting) to lift (a weight) with a snatch
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informal to leave a job, taking whatever pay is due
noun
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an act of snatching
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a fragment or small incomplete part
snatches of conversation
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a brief spell
snatches of time off
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weightlifting a lift in which the weight is raised in one quick motion from the floor to an overhead position
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slang an act of kidnapping
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slang a robbery
a diamond snatch
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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snatchernoun
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outsnatchverb (used with object)
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snatchableadjective
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unsnatchedadjective
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snatchinglyadverb
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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snatchsimple
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snatchessimple
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have snatchedperfect
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has snatchedperfect
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am snatchingprogressive
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are snatchingprogressive
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is snatchingprogressive
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have been snatchingperfect progressive
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has been snatchingperfect progressive
Past
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snatchedsimple
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had snatchedperfect
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was snatchingprogressive
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were snatchingprogressive
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had been snatchingperfect progressive
Future
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."
Vocabulary lists containing snatch
"Thank You, M'am"
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Similes from Top AP English Exam Novels
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Because of Winn-Dixie
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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.
The marauding monkeys brazenly snatch ice cream, cakes and crisps from unwitting tourists in addition to gobbling abandoned leftovers from bins or food directly offered to them.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
But with Hannah Einbinder’s final ‘Hacks’ turn and a scene-stealing Michelle Pfeiffer in the wings, it may take another year for her to finally snatch it.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026
In bigger markets, like New York’s LaGuardia Airport, Spirit owned valuable slots that other airlines could snatch up during the bankruptcy proceedings.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026
Kelechi Iheanacho converted from he spot to snatch a 3-2 win for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
From BBC • May 14, 2026
Ivan stopped long enough to snatch up his staff, and the three hobbled away from the sound sorcerer, farther up the right road.
From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
