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0 English - Monolingual Dictionary

Snatch

snætʃ
Very common
~ 1900
~ 1900, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
To quickly seize or grab something or someone, A small amount or fragment of something, A brief sexual encounter

Snatch - Meanings

To quickly seize or grab something or someone

Example: The thief snatched her purse and ran away.
Usage: informalContext: everyday situations
Note: Often used to describe a sudden and forceful action of taking something quickly.

A small amount or fragment of something

Example: She managed to catch a snatch of the conversation as she walked by.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations
Note: In this context, 'snatch' refers to a brief or partial experience of something.

A brief sexual encounter

Example: They had a quick snatch in the back of the club.
Usage: informalContext: colloquial conversations
Note: This usage is slang and may be considered vulgar or inappropriate in formal settings.

Snatch's synonyms

grab

To take hold of something suddenly and forcefully.
Example: He grabbed the book from the shelf.
Note: Similar to 'snatch', but 'grab' may imply a slightly less aggressive or abrupt action.

seize

To take hold of something quickly and firmly.
Example: The police seized the stolen goods.
Note: Similar to 'snatch', but 'seize' often implies a more official or legal action.

clutch

To grasp or hold something tightly.
Example: She clutched her bag tightly as she walked through the crowd.
Note: Similar to 'snatch', but 'clutch' implies holding onto something tightly rather than taking it abruptly.

grasp

To take hold of something firmly or decisively.
Example: He grasped the opportunity to study abroad.
Note: Similar to 'snatch', but 'grasp' can also refer to understanding or comprehending something.

Snatch expressions, common phrases

Snatch something/someone up

To seize or take hold of something or someone eagerly or quickly.
Example: She quickly snatched up the last cookie before anyone else could grab it.
Note: The phrase 'snatch up' emphasizes the action of seizing something rapidly, as opposed to just 'snatch' which generally means to grab or take something quickly.

Snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

To achieve success in a situation where failure seemed certain.
Example: In a stunning turn of events, the underdog team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a last-minute goal.
Note: This idiom uses 'snatch' metaphorically to describe turning a losing situation into a winning one, highlighting a dramatic and unexpected outcome.

Snatch and grab

A quick theft or robbery where the perpetrator snatches an item and then immediately flees.
Example: The thieves carried out a snatch-and-grab operation, stealing valuables from the store and escaping quickly.
Note: This phrase combines 'snatch' with 'grab' to emphasize a swift and often impulsive act of stealing or taking something by force.

Snatch at straws

To grasp at any small hope or possibility, even if it is unlikely to be successful.
Example: Despite the dire situation, he's still snatching at straws trying to find a way out.
Note: In this idiom, 'snatch' is used figuratively to depict a desperate attempt to find a solution or escape a difficult situation.

Snatch a moment

To quickly take or make use of a brief period of time.
Example: Before the busy day begins, I like to snatch a quiet moment to enjoy my coffee.
Note: This phrase uses 'snatch' to convey the idea of seizing a short amount of time for oneself, suggesting a temporary and fleeting action.

Snatch everyday (slang) expressions

Snatched

In slang, 'snatched' is often used to describe someone looking very attractive, well put together, or in great shape.
Example: Did you see her outfit? She looks snatched today!
Note: This slang term has a positive connotation, unlike the original word 'snatch' which typically has a negative connotation.

Snatchy

'Snatchy' is slang for being irritable, easily annoyed, or rude.
Example: Don't be so snatchy, let's try to work together peacefully.
Note: The slang term 'snatchy' derives from 'snatch' but has a different meaning, focusing more on behavior rather than physical actions.

Snatch and dash

'Snatch and dash' is slang for taking something quickly and then leaving immediately, especially when in a hurry or trying to avoid getting caught.
Example: We need to do a quick snatch and dash if we want to make it to the movie on time.
Note: 'Snatch and dash' is a slang expression that combines 'snatch' with 'dash,' creating a sense of urgency and speed in the action.

Snatch a wig

To 'snatch a wig' is slang for impressing or surprising someone greatly.
Example: Her performance in that play really snatched my wig!
Note: This slang term is figurative, linking the action of 'snatching' with the unexpected impact of leaving someone so shocked that their figurative 'wig' (hairpiece) is metaphorically taken off.

Snatch bag

A 'snatch bag' is slang for a small bag or purse that contains essential items or valuables.
Example: I need to grab my snatch bag before we head out for the day.
Note: The slang term 'snatch bag' is a colloquial way of referring to a bag that one grabs quickly, often implying its importance or convenience.

Snatch - Examples

The thief made a snatch for the woman's purse.
The goalkeeper made a great snatch to save the goal.
She made a quick snatch for the last piece of cake.

Snatch grammar

Snatch - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: snatch
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): snatches
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): snatch
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): snatched
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): snatching
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): snatches
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): snatch
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): snatch
Syllabification and Stress
snatch Contains 1 syllables: snatch
Phonetic transcription: ˈsnach
snatch , ˈsnach (The red syllable is stressed)

Snatch - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
snatch: ~ 1900 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.