Breaking something suddenly with a sharp cracking sound; or speaking sharply and angrily to someone.
From Middle Dutch or Low German 'snappen' meaning 'to seize.' The '-ing' suffix makes it a gerund or present participle. Originally meant the sudden action of biting or seizing, then expanded to any sudden breaking action.
A snapping turtle can snap with 1,000 pounds of force—that's where the word gets its sense of sudden, violent power. When someone snaps at you, they're using that same violent energy but with words instead.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.