WordGarden.ionab
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈæb/
US
- /ˈnæb/
Meanings
Verb
to catch or arrest someone doing something wrong
to get or take something quickly, often before someone else
Beyond the definition
To "nab" someone means to catch them quickly and often by surprise. Imagine a sneaky squirrel grabbing a nut right from under your nose. It is more informal than "arrest" and suggests a fast, direct catch, though it is often used when police catch a suspect. A detective might nab a thief, or you might nab the last cookie before anyone else notices.
The origin of "nab" is a bit mysterious! Some believe it stems from 17th-century slang or perhaps an old Scandinavian word meaning to seize. Whatever its roots, "nab" implies speed and decisiveness in catching someone or something, often with a touch of cleverness.
"Nab" is a versatile verb that means to catch someone or something, often unexpectedly or skillfully. It is more informal than words like "capture" or "apprehend," suggesting a quick, decisive action that catches the target off guard.
You might nab a good seat on the bus just before it fills up, or nab a great deal at a garage sale. Police officers frequently nab criminals—for example, "Police finally nabbed the bank robber after a high-speed chase." However, it doesn't have to involve wrongdoing; you could nab your child sneaking cookies from the jar (though they might not appreciate being caught!).
The word carries a sense of opportunism. It is not just about catching something; it is about catching it well, often before anyone else has the chance. Think of a skilled outfielder nabbing a fly ball—that is a perfect example of "nab" in action.
While "nab" is commonly used for people and physical objects, you can also use it figuratively to describe seizing an opportunity: "She nabbed the chance to present her ideas at the conference." Whether it is catching a thief, securing a bargain, or grabbing an opportunity, to nab means to seize something quickly and effectively.
Examples
- 1
Police arrest
The police nabbed the man outside the station.
- 2
Shoplifting
Security guards nabbed two teenagers for shoplifting.
- Patternnab someone for + offense
catch or arrest someone because of it
- 3
Getting a spot
I got to the cafe early and nabbed a table by the window.
- Patternnab + wanted thing
get it quickly before other people do
- 4
Event tickets
She managed to nab tickets to the final before they sold out.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Theft
Someone nabbed my phone while I was getting off the bus.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- nabverb
Forms
- nabbedpast tenseverb
- nabbing-ing formverb
- nabsverb