noun / verb
snarl
SNAHRL/snɑːrl/
An angry growl or expression showing the teeth.
The dog bares its teeth and lets out a snarl.
Etymology
The word described an angry animal's growl with bared teeth before extending to harsh, quarrelsome speech. Its origin is uncertain, perhaps connected with Dutch or Low German snarren, “to rattle.”
In context
him in a cord. “Hold him fast, good archers! Keep a stout grip on him!” cried the summoner. “I pray you, one of you, prick off these great dogs which snarl at my heels.
More examples
- The cat snarls when another cat approaches its food.
- His lips curl into a snarl as his anger grows.
- “Leave me alone,” she snarled through clenched teeth.
Forms
snarl · snarls · snarled · snarling