nab
UK[næb]US[næb]
v
To catch or seize someone, especially a criminal
v
To take or get something quickly or suddenly
Etymology
The word 'nab' emerged as criminal slang in the late 17th century. Its exact origin is obscure but it is most convincingly linked to the dialectal English word 'nap' or 'knap', meaning to seize or snatch, which itself has Scandinavian roots. Another plausible theory suggests it is a clipped form of the verb 'apprehend', capturing its core action of sudden seizure. Over time, 'nab' shed its exclusively criminal underworld association and entered general informal usage to describe the act of catching someone or grabbing something opportunistically.
Analysis
This word is a simplex form. It is a slang term of uncertain origin, possibly related to dialectal 'nap' meaning to seize, or a shortening of 'apprehend'.
Examples
The police managed to nab the thief before he could leave the city.
I managed to nab the last ticket for the concert.
He tried to nab a cookie from the jar when no one was looking.