snap

verb (MOVE QUICKLY)

/snæp/ (-pp-)

Definition

› [I or T, usually + adv/prep] to move into a position quickly, producing a short noise as if breaking: Tendons store elastic energy by stretching and then snapping back into shape like rubber bands. Simply snap the pieces into place.Moving quicklySounds made by objects, movement or impact › [I + adv/prep] to quickly return to a previous place or condition: After substantial losses last year, the company has snapped back to profitability (= started making profits again).Returning to a placeRestoring and reviving snap shut C2 If something snaps shut or is snapped shut, it closes quickly with a sudden sharp sound: She snapped her book shut and got up to leave. Her mouth snapped shut when she realized he'd heard everything she'd said about him.Closing and blocking

(Definition of snap verb (MOVE QUICKLY) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)