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

Throughout his tenure, the actor has received four Daytime Emmy nomination and nabbed the award in 2022. —Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 8 June 2024

Finally, on June 1, 22 days after the group laid the traps, game wardens, biologists and a local resident worked together to nab the bear, sedate it using drugs and get rid of the can. —Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 5 June 2024

For more expert tips on how to nab affordable airfare, check out this guide to finding cheap last-minute flights. —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 June 2024

Before all that, though, the episode started off with the traditional recaps of the journeys of finalists Gumball and Goldfish, and host Nick Cannon told us both contestants would get two chances to sing their hearts out in one final effort to nab the Golden Mask Trophy. —Lauren Huff, EW.com, 23 May 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