Snarl
/snɑːrl/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo make an aggressive growl with bared teeth, or to speak in an angry, aggressive way.
/snɑːrl/
To make an aggressive growl while showing teeth.
The angry dog snarled at the mail carrier.
💡 Simply: Think of a dog getting really mad and showing its teeth like 'grrrr!' That's a snarl, and it means they're upset or about to get angry.
👶 For kids: When a dog shows its teeth and makes a mean sound, that's called a snarl!
More Examples
He snarled a response when I told him the news.
The lion snarled, warning the intruders to leave his territory.
How It's Used
"The dog snarled at the stranger who approached its puppies."
"He snarled a protest, but eventually gave in."
An angry or hostile growl or a similar sound or expression.
/snɑːrl/
An aggressive growl.
The dog's snarl sent the cat running.
💡 Simply: Imagine you hear a dog make a mad growl, with their teeth showing. That loud 'grrr!' is a snarl.
👶 For kids: A snarl is the mean sound a dog makes when it's angry and showing its teeth.
More Examples
A snarl escaped his lips when he was cut in line.
The detective heard the snarl of the suspect before opening the door.
How It's Used
"We heard a snarl coming from the bushes."
"His response was just a snarl, indicating his disapproval."
A tangled or knotted mass.
/snɑːrl/
The dog's leash became a snarl when it wrapped around the tree.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, your shoelaces or your hair can get all twisted and tangled up. That's like a snarl!
👶 For kids: A snarl is when something is all mixed up and tangled, like string.
More Examples
The wires were in a snarl, making it hard to find the right one.
After the storm, the branches of the trees were in a snarl.
How It's Used
"The cat's fur was a snarl after it was playing in the mud."
"His explanation was a snarl of complicated details."
Idioms & expressions
snarl up
To become tangled or complicated; to cause something to become tangled or complicated.
"The traffic snarls up every rush hour."
From Middle English snarle, probably of imitative origin, reflecting the sound of a growl or tangled mess.
The word has roots in Old English, reflecting aggressive or hostile vocalizations.
Memory tip
Imagine a dog showing its teeth and growling aggressively; that's a snarl.
Word Origin
"To make a growling sound; to tangle."