snarl
1 (snärl)
[Frequentative of obsolete snar, perhaps from Dutch, or Low German snarren, to rattle, probably of imitative origin.]
verb: snarled, snarl·ing, snarls.
intransitive verb
- To growl viciously while baring the teeth.
- To speak angrily or threateningly.
transitive verb
- To utter with anger or hostility: snarled a retort.
noun
- A vicious growl.
- A vicious, hostile utterance.
derivatives
- snarĺer
- noun
- snarĺing·ly
- adverb
- snarĺy
- adjective
snarl
2 (snärl)
[Middle English snarle, trap, probably diminutive of snare; see snare1.]
noun
- A tangled mass, as of hair or yarn.
- A confused, complicated, or tangled situation; a predicament.
verb: snarled, snarl·ing, snarls.
intransitive verb
- To become tangled or confused.
transitive verb
- To tangle or knot (hair, for example).
- To confuse; complicate.
derivatives
- snarĺer
- noun
- snarĺy
- adjective