snap

[snæp] verb I

1) [I/T] to suddenly break something with a short loud noise, or to be broken in this way

When the rope snapped, Davis fell into the water.[/ex]

Ken snapped off the smaller branches.[/ex]

2) [I/T] to quickly move something, for example a light switch or something else that makes a short sound, or to be moved quickly in this way

She quickly snapped her handbag shut.[/ex]

It's really simple to build – the bits just snap together.[/ex]

3) [I/T] if an animal such as a dog snaps at you, it bites you or tries to bite you

A terrier was snapping at his heels.[/ex]

4) [I] to suddenly lose control and become extremely angry or upset

She was bound to snap under all that pressure.[/ex]

5) [I/T] to speak to someone in a sudden angry way

What do you want now? he snapped angrily.[/ex]

I'm sorry I snapped at you just now.[/ex]

•

snap your fingers — to make a short sound by pressing your middle finger against your thumb and moving them suddenly apart[/ex]

snap out of it — to make an effort to stop being unhappy or upset[/ex]

- snap sth up

II

noun

snap [snæp]

1) [singular] a short loud noise, made especially by something breaking or closing

2) [C] British

informal a photograph that is taken without the use of professional equipment

3) [U] a card game in which players put down cards in piles and try to be the first to shout ‘snap' when two cards are the same

•

cold snap — a short period of time when the weather is very cold[/ex]

III

adj

snap [snæp]

decided or arranged very quickly

We mustn't be pushed into making a snap decision.[/ex]