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snarl1 definition

snarl (snärl)

intransitive verb

  1. to growl fiercely, baring the teeth, as a threatening dog
  2. to speak harshly and sharply, as in anger, impatience, etc.

Etymology: extended from earlier snar, to growl, akin to Swed snarra, MHG, MDu, MLowG snarren, to growl < IE echoic base *(s)ner-, *(s)nur- > sneer, snore, OIce norn, Norn

transitive verb

to utter or give vent to with a snarl to snarl one's contempt

noun

  1. a fierce, harsh growl
  2. a harsh utterance expressing anger, impatience, etc.

Related Forms:

snarl2 definition

snarl (snärl)

transitive verb

  1. to make (thread, hair, etc.) knotted or tangled
  2. to make disordered or confused; complicate to snarl traffic
  3. to ornament (metalwork) with a raised design, as by hammering

Etymology: ME snarlen < snare (see snare) + -len, -le

intransitive verb

to become knotted or tangled

noun

  1. a knotted or tangled mass or tuft; tangle hair full of snarls
  2. a confused, disordered state or situation; complication; confusion

Etymology: ME snarle

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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