snarl

1
[ snahrl ]
/ snɑrl /

verb (used without object)

to growl threateningly or viciously, especially with a raised upper lip to bare the teeth, as a dog.
to speak in a surly or threatening manner suggestive of a dog's snarl.

verb (used with object)

to say by snarling: to snarl a threat.

noun

the act of snarling.
a snarling sound or utterance.

Origin of snarl

1
1580–90; earlier snarle, equivalent to obsolete snar to snarl (cognate with Dutch, Low German snarren, German schnarren) + -le

OTHER WORDS FROM snarl

snarl·er, noun snarl·ing·ly, adverb

Words nearby snarl

Definition for snarl (2 of 2)

snarl 2
[ snahrl ]
/ snɑrl /

noun

a tangle, as of thread, hair, or wire.
a complicated or confused condition or matter: a traffic snarl.
a knot in wood.

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

to become tangled; get into a tangle.

Origin of snarl

2
1350–1400; Middle English snarle; see snare1, -le

Example sentences from the Web for snarl

British Dictionary definitions for snarl (1 of 2)

snarl 1
/ (snɑːl) /

verb

(intr) (of an animal) to growl viciously, baring the teeth
to speak or express (something) viciously or angrily

noun

a vicious growl, utterance, or facial expression
the act of snarling

Derived forms of snarl

snarling, adjective snarlingly, adverb snarly, adjective

Word Origin for snarl

C16: of Germanic origin; compare Middle Low German snarren, Middle Dutch snarren to drone

British Dictionary definitions for snarl (2 of 2)

snarl 2
/ (snɑːl) /

noun

a tangled mass of thread, hair, etc
a complicated or confused state or situation
a knot in wood

verb

(often foll by up) to be, become, or make tangled or complicated
(tr often foll by up) to confuse mentally
(tr) to flute or emboss (metal) by hammering on a tool held against the under surface

Derived forms of snarl

snarler, noun snarly, adjective

Word Origin for snarl

C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Swedish snarel noose, Old Norse snara snare 1