verb
snaps; snapped; snapping
to break quickly with a short, sharp sound [no obj]
always followed by an adverb or preposition :to move into a specified position with a short, sharp sound [no obj]
always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] :to close (something) with a fastener and especially with a snap
[+ obj] :to turn (something) on or off with a switch
to make a short, sharp sound or to cause (something) to make a short, sharp sound [no obj]
to use your thumb and fingers to make a short, sharp sound [+ obj]
[+ obj] informal :to take (a photograph)
to speak using short, angry sentences or phrases [no obj]
usually + at
[no obj] :to suddenly no longer be able to control your emotions because of a difficult situation, circumstance, etc.
to move with a quick, short movement or to cause (something) to move with a quick, short movement [no obj]
[+ obj] US informal :to cause the end of (a series of wins, losses, successes, etc.)
[+ obj] American football :to pass (the ball) back to a teammate and especially to the quarterback by passing it between your legs at the start of a play
[no obj] :to try to bite someone or something suddenly and quickly - usually + at
snap out of
[phrasal verb]
snap out of (something) or snap (someone) out of (something) informal :to stop being in or to cause (someone) to stop being in (an unhappy condition or mood, a daydream, etc.)
snap to attention
A soldier who snaps to attention moves quickly to a position of standing silently with the body stiff and straight, the feet together, and both arms at the sides. The phrase is also used figuratively.
snap to it
informal :to start working harder or more quickly
snap up
[phrasal verb]
snap (something or someone) up or snap up (something or someone) :to buy or take (something or someone) quickly or eagerly
noun
plural snaps
[count] :a sudden, short, sharp sound caused by something breaking or moving into a new position - usually singular
[count] :the act of snapping your fingers or the sound made when you snap your fingers
[count] US :a device that fastens something by closing or locking with a short, sharp sound
[count] :a thin, hard cookie - see also gingersnap
[singular] US informal :something that is very easy to do :cinch
[singular] US informal :a small amount of time
[count] :a sudden brief period of a specified kind of weather
[count] :a quick, short movement
[count] chiefly Brit :snapshot
[count] American football :the act of snapping the ball back to a teammate and especially to the quarterback at the start of a play
[noncount] Brit :a card game in which players put down cards in a pile and try to be the first to say snap when two cards that are the same have been played
adjective
always used before a noun
done or made suddenly or without careful thought
interjection
Brit - used to express surprise when two things are alike