nab — to catch or arrest someone, especially a criminal
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to catch or arrest someone, especially a criminal
Pronunciation (IPA): /næb/
Example Sentences
- The detective finally nabbed the cookie thief - it was the office cat all along!
- I need to nab a good parking spot before the mall gets crowded.
- The security guard nabbed three shoplifters in one day - he deserves a promotion!
nab
VERB[/næb/]
to catch or arrest someone, especially a criminal
Police officer nabbing a fleeing burglar
Grab the cab to nab the bad!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Nab emerged in late 17th-century English slang, possibly derived from or related to 'kidnap' or the verb 'snab' (to steal). The term originated in criminal argot among thieves and offenders before entering broader usage.
Breakdown
The morphological origin remains uncertain; likely a shortened or altered form of 'kidnap' or related to 'snab' (theft-related verb). The exact root is debated among etymologists, but the word carries underlying sense of seizing or capturing.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The detective finally nabbed the cookie thief - it was the office cat all along!”
“I need to nab a good parking spot before the mall gets crowded.”
“The security guard nabbed three shoplifters in one day - he deserves a promotion!”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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