C1verb2K

Snap

UK /["/snæp/","/snæps/","/snæpt/","/ˈsnæpɪŋ/"]/US /["/snæp/","/snæps/","/snæpt/","/ˈsnæpɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to break something suddenly with a sharp noise; to be broken in this way

In simple words: to make a quick, loud sound, like a twig breaking

Examples

  • She could hear the twigs snap under her feet as she walked through the forest.
  • The branch started to snap loudly before it fell to the ground.
  • He tends to snap at his colleagues when he's under stress.
  • After hours of waiting, she snapped and shouted at the rude customer.
  • Try to snap a photo of the sunset before it disappears.
  • She managed to snap several pictures during the concert.
  • The dog will snap if you get too close to its food bowl.
  • He heard a sudden snap and realized the cable had broken.

Usage notes

Use 'snap' when describing a quick sound or an action that happens suddenly. It’s appropriate in everyday conversation but can sound informal in academic writing.

Grammar pattern

snap + object

Memory hint

Think of a camera snap—quick and sharp!

Collocations

  • suddenly
  • easily
  • off
  • snap (something) in half
  • snap (something) in two
  • suddenly
  • easily
  • off
  • snap (something) in half
  • snap (something) in two
  • angrily
  • harshly
  • impatiently
  • at
  • suddenly
  • easily
  • off
  • snap (something) in half
  • snap (something) in two

Synonyms

  • nip

Antonyms

  • muffle
  • soften
  • quiet

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'snap' as a noun and verb.
  • Using 'snap' incorrectly in past tense; should be 'snapped'.
  • Mixing up 'snap' with 'clap' in terms of sound.