snap

//snæp//

Verbs
C1

Translation

snap

Definition

When someone snaps, they suddenly lose their temper or become extremely angry, often in an explosive and uncontrolled way. This use of 'snap' describes a breaking point where patience or composure gives way to a sharp, emotional outburst, typically triggered by accumulated stress or a final provocation. It implies a swift transition from calm to fury, often with verbal or behavioral aggression, and is commonly used in informal contexts to depict a moment of intense frustration.

Example

  • After hours of dealing with rude customers, the cashier finally snapped and shouted at the next person in line.

  • He had been holding in his anger for weeks, and when his roommate left dirty dishes again, he just snapped.

  • The constant criticism from her boss made her snap during the meeting, causing an awkward silence.

  • I could see he was about to snap, so I tried to calm him down before things escalated.

  • She snapped at her children for no apparent reason, revealing how stressed she really was.

  • When the referee made a controversial call, the coach snapped and was ejected from the game.

  • After years of bullying, he finally snapped and fought back against his tormentors.

  • The pressure of the deadline caused the normally calm designer to snap at her assistant.

  • He didn't mean to snap, but the constant noise from the construction site drove him crazy.

  • When she heard the news about the canceled flight, she snapped and started crying in the airport.

Synonyms

lose one's temper
explode
flare up
crack
fly off the handle

Other meanings

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