nab
C1 (upper-intermediate to advanced)Informal, slang; common in spoken English and informal writing, but avoided in formal contexts
Definition
Meaning
To seize or grab suddenly; to catch or arrest someone (usually in informal contexts)
To take something quickly for oneself, often in an opportunistic or illicit manner; to catch someone in the act
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most commonly used to describe catching a criminal, snatching an opportunity, or taking something quickly. The action is typically sudden and opportunistic. Implies a sense of quickness and often minor impropriety (though not always illegal).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties with essentially identical meaning and register. Slightly more common in American English in crime-related contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to have humorous or light-hearted connotations in British English, while American usage can be more matter-of-fact about arrests.
Frequency
Equally informal in both; slightly higher frequency in US crime dramas and police slang.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + nab + direct object (person/thing)Subject + get nabbed (+ by agent)Subject + nab + object + for + reason/crimeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Nab red-handed”
- “Too quick to nab”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, but may appear in informal business contexts meaning 'to secure quickly' (e.g., 'We managed to nab the contract').
Academic
Almost never used; too informal for academic writing.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation about catching someone or getting something quickly.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts; replaced by precise terms like 'apprehend' or 'detain'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The shoplifter was nabbed by security before she could leave the store.
- I managed to nab the last parking space near the theatre.
- He tried to nab a free sample but they'd all gone.
American English
- The police nabbed the suspect after a brief chase.
- She nabbed a great deal on those shoes during the sale.
- Don't let him nab your lunch from the office fridge again.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as adverb
American English
- Not applicable as adverb
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as adjective
American English
- Not applicable as adjective
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher nabbed him copying homework.
- I nabbed a cookie when no one was looking.
- Security nabbed the pickpocket in the crowded market.
- We need to nab this investment opportunity before our competitors do.
- Undercover officers finally nabbed the ringleader after months of surveillance.
- Journalists were trying to nab an interview with the reclusive author.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a police officer with a NAB (North American Bureau) badge quickly grabbing a criminal. 'NAB' sounds like 'grab' with an 'n'.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUICK ACTION IS GRABBING (physical seizure metaphor extended to opportunities)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with Russian 'набат' (alarm bell) - no relation.
- Not equivalent to formal 'арестовать' - 'nab' is much more informal.
- Don't translate literally as 'схватить' in formal contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using in formal writing or speech.
- Using with non-human objects in serious contexts (e.g., 'The company nabbed a profit' sounds odd).
- Overusing in contexts where 'catch' or 'arrest' would be more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'nab' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely informal/slang. Use 'arrest', 'apprehend', or 'catch' in formal contexts.
Yes, but usually with opportunistic connotations (e.g., 'nab a seat', 'nab a bargain'). For neutral taking, 'grab' or 'take' is better.
'Nab' implies more suddenness, opportunism, and often minor illegality. 'Catch' is more general and neutral.
Yes, with identical meaning and similar frequency, though slightly more common in US crime contexts.