snub

1 of 3

verb

ˈsnəb 

snubbed; snubbing

transitive verb

1

: to check or stop with a cutting retort : rebuke

2

a

: to check (something, such as a line or chain that is running out) suddenly especially by turning around a fixed object (such as a post or a cleat)

also : to check the motion of by snubbing a line

snub the anchor

b

: to restrain the action of : suppress

snub a vibration

3

: to treat with contempt or neglect

snub an old acquaintance

4

: to extinguish by stubbing

snub out a cigarette

snub

2 of 3

noun

: an act or an instance of snubbing

especially : slight

snub

3 of 3

adjective

1

or snubbed

ˈsnəbd 

: blunt, stubby

a snub nose

2

: used in snubbing

snub line

snubness noun

Synonyms

Verb

• cold-shoulder
• cut
• high-hat
• slight
• stiff
• stiff-arm

Noun

• brush-off
• cold shoulder
• rebuff
• repulse
• silent treatment

Examples of snub in a Sentence

Verb

She snubbed me in the hallway.

He snubbed their job offer.

They deliberately snubbed the meeting.

Noun

he tolerated the snubs from his in-laws because the holidays come but once a year, thankfully

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Back in September, Wayne openly admitted that being snubbed for the Super Bowl halftime gig in his own city was deeply painful. —Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 23 Nov. 2024

Patriots owner Robert Kraft was snubbed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the 13th straight year. —Chris Branch, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024

Noun

Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons… MEDIA BLAME GAME – Carville blasts 'snot-nosed' Harris staffers for Rogan snub. —Fox News, 27 Nov. 2024

In its stead came (loud) doubts, with Birdman, Master P, Nicki Minaj, and others openly questioning the snub of hometown hero Lil Wayne. —Matthew Ismael Ruiz, Vulture, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English snibben, snubben, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse snubba to scold, Swedish dialect snubba to reproach, cut off

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing snub

• snub-nosed

Kids Definition

snub

1 of 3 verb

ˈsnəb 

snubbed; snubbing

1

: to check or stop with a reply that hurts : rebuke

2

a

: to check (as a line) suddenly while running out especially by turning around a fixed object (as a post)

b

: to check the motion of by snubbing a line

3

: to deliberately ignore or treat rudely

4

: to put out by crushing

snubber noun

snub

2 of 3 noun

: an act or an instance of snubbing

especially : rebuff entry 2

snub

3 of 3 adjective

variants or snubbed

ˈsnəbd 

: stubby, blunt