snatching
word · lemma: snatch
Definition
Taking or grabbing something quickly, often suddenly or by force. It is also used for stealing something by grabbing it suddenly.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used for theft (‘bag snatching’, ‘chain snatching’); informal. Usually about quick, forceful or surprise taking. Not used for regular or polite taking (‘could you snatch that?’ is incorrect). Can relate to sports (‘snatching the ball’).
Spanish: arrebatar - robar (al tirón)Portuguese (BR): agarrar rapidamente - roubar (de surpresa)Portuguese (PT): agarrar rapidamente - roubar (de surpresa)Chinese (Simplified): 抢夺 - 抢走Chinese (Traditional): 搶奪 - 搶走Hindi: झपटना - छीननाArabic: خطف - انتزاعBengali: ছিনতাই - হঠাৎ কেড়ে নেওয়াRussian: выхватывание - вырываниеJapanese: ひったくり - 取り上げVietnamese: giật - chộp lấyKorean: 낚아채기 - 빼앗기Turkish: kapma - çalmaUrdu: چھینناIndonesian: merampas - menyambar
Example Sentences
He was snatching her bag and ran away.
basic
The child is snatching toys from his friends.
basic
He got in trouble for snatching food off the table.
basic
She’s always snatching the last piece of cake before anyone else can get it.
natural
He made a living by snatching purses on busy streets.
natural
Stop snatching the remote—let someone else have a turn!
natural