First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1snarl
verb \ˈsnär(-ə)l\
Definition of SNARL
transitive verb
1
: to cause to become knotted and intertwined : tangle
2
: to make excessively complicated
intransitive verb
: to become snarled
— snarl·er noun
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Origin of SNARL
Middle English, to trap, entangle, probably frequentative of snaren to snare
2snarl
noun
Definition of SNARL
1
: a tangle especially of hairs or thread : knot
2
: a tangled situation <traffic snarls>
— snarly \ˈsnär-lē\ adjective
Origin of SNARL
Middle English snarle snare, noose, probably from snarlen, verb
First Known Use: 1609
3snarl
verb
Definition of SNARL
intransitive verb
1
: to growl with a snapping, gnashing, or display of teeth
2
: to give vent to anger in surly language
transitive verb
: to utter or express with a snarl or by snarling
— snarl·er noun
Origin of SNARL
frequentative of obsolete English snar to growl; akin to Middle Low German snorren to drone, rattle
First Known Use: 1589
4snarl
noun
Definition of SNARL
: a surly angry growl
— snarly \ˈsnär-lē\ adjective
First Known Use of SNARL
1613
SNARLY Defined for Kids
1snarl
verb \ˈsnärl\
snarledsnarl·ing
Definition of SNARL for Kids
1
: to growl with a showing of teeth <The dog snarled at the stranger.>
2
: to speak in an angry way
2snarl
noun
Definition of SNARL for Kids
: an angry growl
3snarl
noun
Definition of SNARL for Kids
1
: a tangle usually of hairs or thread : knot <She's combing out the snarls.>
2
: a situation that makes movement difficult <a traffic snarl>
4snarl
verb
snarledsnarl·ing
Definition of SNARL for Kids
: to get or become tangled
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