nab

¹

[nab]

verb (used with object)

Informal.

nabbed, nabbing 

1. to arrest or capture.

2. to catch or seize, especially suddenly.

3. to snatch or steal.

NAB

²

1. Also N.A.B. National Association of Broadcasters.

2. New American Bible.

nab

/ næb /

verb

1. to arrest

2. to catch (someone) in wrongdoing

3. to seize suddenly; snatch

Other Word Forms

• nabber noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nab¹

1675–85; earlier nap; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish nappe, Norwegian, Swedish nappa to snatch

Word History and Origins

Origin of nab¹

C17: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish nappe, Swedish nappa to snatch. See _kidnap

Example Sentences

Rogen and Goldberg told The Times, when they nabbed a record-setting 23 Emmy nominations this summer, the awards attention was unexpected.

From Los Angeles Times

While Austria nabbed first place, second place was awarded to Poland, while Norway took third, and Croatia finished last.

From BBC

Federal prosecutors say that by quickly nabbing popular early morning tee times almost immediately after they were available to the public, the brothers “created a monopoly” of Southern California golf courses.

From Los Angeles Times

The feds even nabbed U.S. citizens or detained them for hours before releasing them with no apology.

From Los Angeles Times

District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong issued a temporary ban on “roving patrols” where agents nabbed people off Southern California streets based on their skin color, the language spoken, their vocation and where they are located.

From Los Angeles Times