Nab

usgb/næb/
verb

To catch or arrest someone.

The police managed to nab the thief.
Visual representation of "nab" - To catch or arrest someone

Often appears as...

  • nab a criminal
  • nab a thief

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "nab"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Law Enforcement

Commonly used in contexts related to police or security work.

Illustration for Law Enforcement
The undercover agent nabbed the smuggler at the border.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Always Physical

Doesn't always involve physically touching the person, often relates to catching in a broader sense.

Illustration for Not Always Physical
Detectives nabbed the culprit using surveillance footage.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Media Usage

Frequently used in news headlines to indicate an arrest or capture.

Illustration for Media Usage
Authorities nab notorious hacker after a year-long investigation.
Visual representation of the word "Nab"

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