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

On Monday, day laborers were nabbed outside a Home Depot in North Hollywood, and on Tuesday more were arrested at a Home Depot in Inglewood.

From Los Angeles Times

Federal officials said they were looking to apprehend a suspected MS-13 gang member and instead nabbed the person’s cousin.

From Los Angeles Times

It was clobberin’ time this weekend, as Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” nabbed the top spot at the box office with a performance that returned the Walt Disney Co.-owned superhero franchise to form.

From Los Angeles Times

Hiller nabbed a supporting actor in a drama series nomination for his portrayal of Joel in HBO’s meditative drama set in rural Kansas.

From Los Angeles Times

In each case, the possessions have been left behind by people nabbed without warning by federal agents.

From Los Angeles Times