snag / snag/ • n. 1. an unexpected or hidden obstacle or drawback: the picture's U.S. release hit a snag.2. a sharp, angular, or jagged projection: keep an emery board handy in case of nail snags. ∎  a rent or tear in fabric caused by such a projection.3. a dead tree.• v. (snagged, snag·ging) [tr.] catch or tear (something) on a projection: thorns snagged his sweater. ∎  [intr.] become caught on a projection: radio aerials snagged on bushes and branches. ∎ inf. catch or obtain (someone or something): it's the first time they've snagged the star for a photo.DERIVATIVES: snag·gy adj. (in sense 2).

snag short stump projecting from a tree; sharp projection XVI; (orig. U.S.) trunk or branch in a river, etc. interfering with navigation; hence gen. obstacle XIX. prob. of Scand. orig. (cf. ON. snaghyrndr) sharp-pointed (axe), Norw. dial. snag(e) sharp point, spike).

snag The standing part of a tree trunk that has snapped above ground level.

snag The standing part of a tree trunk that has snapped above ground level.