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v. snatched, snatch·ing, snatch·es v.tr. 1. a. To grasp or seize hastily, eagerly, or suddenly: snatched the dollar from my hand. b. To steal, especially quickly or with a sudden movement. c. Informal To kidnap (someone). 2. Sports To raise (a weight) in one quick, uninterrupted motion from the floor to a position over the lifter's head. 3. Informal a. To obtain or achieve quickly or unexpectantly: snatched an early lead in the game. b. To get (a small amount of sleep). v.intr. To make grasping or seizing motions: snatched at the lamp cord. n. 1. a. The act of snatching; a quick grasp or grab. b. Informal A kidnapping. 2. A brief period of time: "At the end we preferred to travel all night, / Sleeping in snatches" (T.S. Eliot). 3. A small amount; a bit or fragment: a snatch of dialogue. 4. Sports A lift in weightlifting in which the weight is raised in one uninterrupted motion from the floor to a position over the lifter's head. 5. Vulgar Slang The vulva. [Middle English snacchen.] snatcher n. |
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