snuff
1[ snuhf ]
/ snʌf /
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verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
noun
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Idioms about snuff
- British. not easily imposed upon; shrewd; sharp.
- up to a certain standard; satisfactory: His performance wasn't up to snuff.
up to snuff, Informal.
Origin of snuff
1First recorded in 1520–30, snuff is from the Dutch word snuffen
OTHER WORDS FROM snuff
snuff·ing·ly, adverbWords nearby snuff
snub, snubby, snubfin dolphin, snub-nosed, snuck, snuff, snuffbox, snuff-dipping, snuffer, snuff film, snuffle
Other definitions for snuff (2 of 2)
snuff2
[ snuhf ]
/ snʌf /
noun
the charred or partly consumed portion of a candlewick.
a thing of little or no value, especially if left over.
verb (used with object)
to cut off or remove the snuff of (candles, tapers, etc.).
Verb Phrases
snuff out,
- to extinguish: to snuff out a candle.
- to suppress; crush: to snuff out opposition.
- Informal. to kill or murder: Many lives were snuffed out during the epidemic.
Origin of snuff
21350–1400; Middle English snoffe< ?
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use snuff in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for snuff (1 of 3)
snuff1
/ (snʌf) /
verb
(tr) to inhale through the nose
(when intr, often foll by at) (esp of an animal) to examine by sniffing
noun
an act or the sound of snuffing
Derived forms of snuff
snuffer, nounWord Origin for snuff
C16: probably from Middle Dutch snuffen to snuffle, ultimately of imitative origin
British Dictionary definitions for snuff (2 of 3)
snuff2
/ (snʌf) /
noun
finely powdered tobacco for sniffing up the nostrils or less commonly for chewing
a small amount of this
any powdered substance, esp one for sniffing up the nostrils
up to snuff informal
- in good health or in good condition
- mainly British not easily deceived
verb
(intr) to use or inhale snuff
Word Origin for snuff
C17: from Dutch snuf, shortened from snuftabale, literally: tobacco for snuffing; see snuff 1
British Dictionary definitions for snuff (3 of 3)
snuff3
/ (snʌf) /
verb (tr)
(often foll by out) to extinguish (a light from a naked flame, esp a candle)
to cut off the charred part of (the wick of a candle, etc)
(usually foll by out) informal to suppress; put an end to
snuff it British informal to die
noun
the burned portion of the wick of a candle
Word Origin for snuff
C14 snoffe, of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for snuff
snuff
[ snŭf ]
v.
To inhale something audibly through the nose; sniff.
n.
A preparation of finely pulverized tobacco that can be drawn up into the nostrils by inhaling.
A medicated powder inhaled through or blown into the nose.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Other Idioms and Phrases with snuff
snuff
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.