To catch and arrest someone. Often used in passive constructions. We'll be able to nab the perpetrator as soon as we have an eyewitness to the crime.I heard the serial killer was finally nabbed last night.
nabber
A thief. Used after another noun to indicate what the thief stole or some characteristic about the thief. Police are now on the lookout for the lawn-ornament nabber after a third house was hit last night.The pig nabber turned out to be a neighbor of the farmer, a mere boy of 15 who claims he was just having a bit of fun.
nab
(næb)
1. tv. to arrest someone. (see also nabbed.) I knew they would nab him sooner or later.
2. and nabbern. a police officer; a cop. There’s a nabber at the door who wants to talk to you.