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

  • (..) You called him slick git not five hours ago. Yeah, well, he was running his hands all over my sister, wasn't he? Something snaps. You've got to hate him, you know? Old principle. I suppose. So what do you think he sees in her? (..)
    2009 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince