snap

Definition

  • verb: to break quickly with a short, sharp sound
  • verb: to make a sudden closing of the jaws
  • usually singular
  • synonyms: crack, scrap, briskness

Examples

  • The children 'snapped to attention' [=suddenly stopped moving around, talking, etc.] when the teacher clapped his hands.

  • They 'snapped' [='broke'] a 10-game losing streak. [=they won a game after losing 10 games]

  • I don't know how to get her to 'snap out of' her depression. [=to stop being depressed]

Movie quotes

  • (..) In the morning, the area will be returned to sitting-room mode no later than hours. What was that? Nothing. Next time snap it out! Thumb to palm, index finger through little digit, smartly aligned, sharp to the hairline, down! Too many men, far better than you, have executed that courtesy. (..)
    1992 Scent of a Woman