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   Snag

   /snaɡ/

   

   noun

   • 1. an unexpected or hidden obstacle or drawback: "the picture's US release hit a snag" Similar obstacledifficultycomplicationcatchhitchstumbling blockpitfallunseen problemproblemissuebarrierimpedimenthindranceinconveniencesetbackhurdledisadvantagedownsidedrawbackminusdisbenefitinformal:hiccup
   • 2. a sharp, angular, or jagged projection: "keep an emery board handy in case of nail snags" Similar sharp projectionjagjagged bitthornspurinformal:sticky-out bit
   • ▪ a rent or tear in fabric caused by a sharp or jagged projection. Similar tearriprentrunholegashslashslitladder
   • 3. a dead tree: North American "dozens of species of birds and mammals use standing snags for nesting"

   verb

   • 1. catch or tear (something) on a projection: "thorns snagged his sweater" Similar tearripgashladder
   • ▪ become caught on a projection: "radio aerials snagged on bushes and branches" Similar catch (in)hookjagget caught in/on
   • ▪ catch or obtain (someone or something): "it's the first time they've snagged the star for a photo"

   Word Origin late 16th century (in snag1 (sense 2 of the noun)): probably of Scandinavian origin. The early sense ‘stump sticking out from a tree trunk’ gave rise to a US sense ‘submerged piece of timber obstructing navigation’, of which sense 1 is originally a figurative use. Current verb senses arose in the 19th century.

   Scrabble Points: 5

   • S

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   • N

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   • A

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   • G

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