snarl

¹

[snahrl]

verb (used without object)

1. to growl threateningly or viciously, especially with a raised upper lip to bare the teeth, as a dog.

2. to speak in a surly or threatening manner suggestive of a dog's snarl.

verb (used with object)

1. to say by snarling.

   to snarl a threat.

noun

1. the act of snarling.

2. a snarling sound or utterance.

snarl

²

[snahrl]

noun

1. a tangle, as of thread, hair, or wire.

2. a complicated or confused condition or matter.

   a traffic snarl.

3. a knot in wood.

verb (used with object)

1. to bring into a tangled condition, as thread or hair.

2. to render complicated or confused.

   The questions snarled him up.

3. to raise or emboss, as parts of a thin metal vessel, by hammering on a tool snarling iron held against the inner surface of the vessel.

verb (used without object)

1. to become tangled; get into a tangle.

snarl

¹

/ snɑːl /

noun

1. a tangled mass of thread, hair, etc

2. a complicated or confused state or situation

3. a knot in wood

verb

1. (often foll by up) to be, become, or make tangled or complicated

2. to confuse mentally

3. (tr) to flute or emboss (metal) by hammering on a tool held against the under surface

snarl

²

/ snɑːl /

verb

1. (intr) (of an animal) to growl viciously, baring the teeth

2. to speak or express (something) viciously or angrily

noun

1. a vicious growl, utterance, or facial expression

2. the act of snarling

Other Word Forms

• snarler noun
• snarly adjective
• snarling adjective
• snarlingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of snarl¹

First recorded in 1580–90; equivalent to obsolete snar “to snarl” (cognate with Dutch, Low German snarren, German schnarren ) + -le

Origin of snarl²

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English snarle “snare, trap”; snare ¹, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of snarl¹

C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Swedish snarel noose, Old Norse snara _snare ¹

Origin of snarl²

C16: of Germanic origin; compare Middle Low German snarren, Middle Dutch snarren to drone

Example Sentences

Several unresolved issues still loom large, and these may yet be snarled in the details as working-level negotiations play out.

From Los Angeles Times

But when she sees another dog, everything changes: she snarls, barks loud enough to startle a city block, and lunges with so much force it takes all my strength to hold her back.

From Salon

When the attempted murderer claimed his intended targets stole his job, Superman snarled “The only person responsible for the blackness smothering your soul ... is you.”

From Los Angeles Times

After a brutal spring of toxic algae blooms turning sea lions into sick, snarling seaside hazards, anxious beachgoers can breathe a sigh of relief as experts say the worst of the poisoning is over.

From Los Angeles Times

Dodgers fans have their complaints about parking — primarily a postgame snarl to get out of the Stadium that makes navigating the 405 seem like a breeze — and drama too often colors the experience.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bark 
• growl 
• mutter