Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - snap

 I. verb  (~ped; ~ping)  Etymology: Dutch or Low German ~pen; akin to Middle High German ~pen to ~  Date: 1530  intransitive verb  1.  a. to make a sudden closing of the jaws ; seize something sharply with the mouth fish ~ping at the bait  b. to grasp at something eagerly ; make a pounce or snatch ~ at any chance  2. to utter sharp biting words ; bark out irritable or peevish retorts  3.  a. to break suddenly with a sharp sound the twig ~ped  b. to give way suddenly under strain  4. to make a sharp or crackling sound  5. to close or fit in place with an abrupt movement or sharp sound the lock ~ped shut  6.  a. to move briskly or sharply ~s to attention  b. to undergo a sudden and rapid change (as from one condition to another) ~ out of it ~ped awake  7. sparkle, flash eyes ~ping with fury  transitive verb  1. to seize with or as if with a ~ of the jaws  2. to take possession or advantage of suddenly or eagerly — usually used with up shoppers ~ping up bargains  3.  a. to retort to or interrupt curtly and irritably  b. to utter curtly or abruptly  4. to break suddenly ; break short or in two  5.  a. to cause to make a ~ping sound ~ a whip  b. to put into or remove from a particular position by a sudden movement or with a sharp sound ~ the lock shut  6.  a. to project with a ~  b. to put (a football) in play with a ~  c.  (1) to take photographically ~ping exclusive news pictures — Current Biography  (2) to take a ~shot of  II. noun  Date: 1555  1. an abrupt closing (as of the mouth in biting or of scissors in cutting)  2.  a. archaic a share of profits or booty  b. something that brings quick and easy profit or advantage  c. something that is easy and presents no problems ; cinch  3. a small amount ; bit  4.  a. an act or instance of seizing abruptly ; a sudden snatching at something  b. a quick short movement lithe ~s of its body — Barbara Taylor  c. a sudden sharp breaking  5.  a. a sound made by ~ping something shut the book with a ~  b. a brief sharp and usually irritable speech or retort  6. a sudden spell of weather a cold ~  7. a catch or fastening that closes or locks with a click the ~ of a bracelet  8. a flat brittle cookie — compare ginger~  9. ~shot  10.  a. the condition of being vigorous in body, mind, or spirit ; alertness, energy  b. a pleasing vigorous quality  11. the act of a center's putting the football in play from its position on the ground by quickly passing it between his legs to a teammate (as a quarterback) standing behind him  III. adverb  Date: 1583 with a ~  IV. adjective  Date: 1739  1. done, made, or carried through suddenly or without deliberation a ~ judgment  2. called or taken without prior warning a ~ election  3. fastening with a ~ a ~ lock  4. unusually easy or simple a ~ course