Definition of: snap

(snap) v. snapped, snap·ping v.i.
1. To make a sharp, quick sound, as of percussion.
2. To break suddenly with a cracking noise; part with a snap.
3. To fly off or give way quickly, as when tension is suddenly relaxed.
4. To make the jaws come suddenly together in an effort to bite: often with up or at.
5. To seize or snatch suddenly: often with up or at.
6. To speak sharply, harshly, or irritably: often with at.
7. To emit, or seem to emit, a spark or flash of light: said of the eyes.
8. To close, fasten, etc., with a click or snapping sound, as a lock.
9. To move or act with sudden, neat gestures: He snapped to attention.
—v.t.
10. To seize suddenly or eagerly, with or as with the teeth; snatch: often with up.
11. To sever with a snapping sound.
12. To utter, address, or interrupt harshly, abruptly, or irritably: often with out.
13. To cause to make a sharp, quick sound.
14. To close, fasten, etc., with a snapping sound.
15. To strike, press, etc., with a snap: to snap a whip.
16. To cause to move suddenly, neatly, etc.
17. To photograph instantaneously with a camera.
18. In football, to put in play: said of the ball when sent to a back by the center.
—to snap out of it Colloq.
1. To recover.
2. To change one's attitude.
—noun
1. The act of snapping, or a sharp, quick sound produced by it: the snap of a whip.
2. A sudden breaking of anything, or the sound so produced.
3. Any catch, fastener, or other device that closes or springs into place with a snapping sound.
4. A sudden seizing or effort to seize with or as with the teeth; a sharp shutting, as of the jaws or of a trap.
5. A quick blow of the thumb sprung from the finger or of the finger from the thumb.
6. The sudden release of the tension of a spring or elastic cord.
7. A small, thin, crisp cake, usually containing ginger; a gingersnap.
8. Brisk energy; vigor; vim; zip.
9. A brief spell; a sudden turn: said chiefly of cold weather.
10. A hasty meal; snack.
11. Any task or duty easy to perform: often in the phrase a soft snap.
12. A bit: It is not worth a snap.
13. The instantaneous taking of a photograph; also, the photograph so taken; a snapshot.
14. A stringbean.
—adjective
1. Made or done suddenly and without consideration; offhand.
2. Contrived to take unawares and at an advantage: a snap policy.
3. Fastening with a snap.
—adverb With a snap; quickly. [<MDu. snappen bite at]