snatched
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of snatched
First recorded in 1990–95; origin uncertain; possibly from regional American snatching “attractive” (1962); possibly from Black drag culture, where stage performers wear weaves (artificial hairweaves), and if something is amazingly good ( snatched ), it may snatch one's weave off, knock one's socks off (but the connection is unclear)
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.
Instead, it’s a useful way to respond to clients who ask him why lots of smart investors haven’t snatched away all of the excess-return hacks that finance professors have identified.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026
Sharpton says some legal residents he encountered around Cleveland feared being "snatched up and deported."
From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026
Most often, when she seems on the verge of acceptance, happiness is snatched back from her — a nasty game.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026
Floyd Samba's scintillating first-team debut not only stole the show at Etihad Stadium on Thursday but also snatched all the headlines away from another high-profile teenager in Manchester.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
“Deal,” he said without hesitation as he snatched it from her hand.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
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