Nab
/næb/noun
To seize, catch, or arrest suddenly.
Did you know?Despite sounding ancient and sneaky, the verb *nab* is first recorded in the early 18th century, and its origin is uncertain, which makes it a true word of the shadows.
Etymological Timeline
Early 18th Century
English
nab
“to seize or catch quickly, often by surprise”
18th Century
English slang
nab
“to arrest or capture”
Unknown
Unknown
?
“etymology uncertain; possibly from thieves' cant or dialectal speech”
Modern English
English
nab
“to seize, arrest, or grab”