snatch

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snatch / snach/ • v. [tr.] quickly seize (something) in a rude or eager way: she snatched a cookie from the plate| fig. a victory snatched from the jaws of defeat. ∎ inf. steal (something) or kidnap (someone), typically by seizing or grabbing suddenly: a mission to snatch Winston Churchill. ∎  [intr.] (snatch at) hastily or ineffectually attempt to seize (something): she snatched at the handle. ∎  quickly secure or obtain (something) when a chance presents itself: snatching a few hours' sleep. ∎  [intr.] (snatch at) eagerly take or accept (an offer or opportunity): I snatched at the chance.• n. 1. an act of snatching or quickly seizing something: a quick snatch of breath. ∎  a short spell of doing something: brief snatches of sleep. ∎  a fragment of song or talk: picking up snatches of conversation. ∎ inf. a kidnapping or theft.2. Weightlifting the rapid raising of a weight from the floor to above the head in one movement.3. vulgar slang a woman's genitals.DERIVATIVES: snatch·er n.snatch·y adj.