Definition of snarl

< snarl

snatch >

snarl²    (snärl) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A tangled mass, as of hair or yarn.
2. A confused, complicated, or tangled situation; a predicament.

VERB:
snarled, snarl·ing, snarls
VERB:
intr.

To become tangled or confused.

VERB:
tr.

1. To tangle or knot (hair, for example).
2. To confuse; complicate.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English snarle, trap, probably diminutive of snare ; see snare¹

OTHER FORMS:
snarler(Noun), snarly(Adjective)