nab

verb

ˈnab 

nabbed; nabbing

transitive verb

1

: to catch or seize in arrest : apprehend

2

: to seize suddenly

Synonyms

• apprehend
• arrest
• bust [slang]
• collar
• nail
• nick [British slang]
• pick up
• pinch
• pull in
• restrain
• run in
• seize

Examples of nab in a Sentence

We nabbed seats in the front row of the theater.

the officer nabbed the purse snatcher before he could escape

Recent Examples on the Web

Julia Garner, emerging quickly as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand talents, has nabbed the starring role in Weapons, the New Line horror movie from Barbarian filmmaker Zach Cregger. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Apr. 2024

Meanwhile, Leeds, England four-piece English Teacher nabs a top 10 entry at the first attempt with This Could Be Texas (Island), their debut recording. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of English dialect nap

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

nab

verb

ˈnab 

nabbed; nabbing

1

: to seize and take into custody : arrest

2

: to seize suddenly

especially : steal entry 1 sense 2a