nab
UK: næb | US: næb
vt. to seize or arrest suddenly
vt. to grab or snatch hastily
vt. (informal) to obtain something quickly or opportunistically
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"Nab" emerged in the late 17th century as slang, possibly from Scandinavian roots like Swedish "nappa" (to snatch) or Danish "nappe" (to pinch). Its abrupt, single-syllable form mirrors the quick action it describes—reflecting a linguistic pattern where short, sharp words often denote sudden movements (e.g., "grab," "snap"). Unlike compound words, "nab" resists decomposition, embodying its meaning through phonetic immediacy.
The police managed to nab the thief before he escaped.
She nabbed the last ticket just as the box office closed.
He’s always trying to nab free samples at the grocery store.
The goalkeeper nabbed the ball mid-air.
Reporters nabbed a quick interview with the celebrity after the event.