snarl

snarl

snarl¹ [snärl]

vi.

[extended from earlier snar, to growl, akin to Swed snarra, MHG, MDu, MLowG snarren, to growl < IE echoic base * (s)ner-, * (s)nur- > SNEER, SNORE, OIce norn, NORN]

1. to growl fiercely, baring the teeth, as a threatening dog

2. to speak harshly and sharply, as in anger, impatience, etc.

vt.

to utter or give vent to with a snarl [to snarl one's contempt]

n.

1. a fierce, harsh growl

2. a harsh utterance expressing anger, impatience, etc.

snarler

n.

snarlingly

adv.

snarl² [snärl]

vt.

[ME snarlen < snare (see SNARE) + -len, -LE]

1. to make (thread, hair, etc.) knotted or tangled

2. to make disordered or confused; complicate [to snarl traffic]

3. to ornament (metalwork) with a raised design, as by hammering

vi.

to become knotted or tangled

n.

[ME snarle]

1. a knotted or tangled mass or tuft; tangle [hair full of snarls]

2. a confused, disordered state or situation; complication; confusion