Snap
/snæp/noun
To break suddenly with a sharp sound, or to make a quick, abrupt movement or action.
Did you know?English snap is an old imitative word for a sharp cracking sound, and its family spread into ideas of quickness, abruptness, and even a closed, fastened clasp in everyday speech.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
snæppan
“to snap, crack, or make a sudden sharp sound”
Middle English
ME
snappen
“to break with a sharp sound; to bite or seize suddenly”
16th Century
English
snap
“a sudden crack, bite, or abrupt action”
Modern English
English
snap
“to break sharply, move suddenly, or close with a click”