1. To seize or grab hold of someone or something very hastily or suddenly and take them or it away from someone or something else. He reached out and snatched the paper from my hands. Police rushed in and snatched the hostage from the criminal before tackling him to the ground.

2. To cause someone or something to lose control or possession of someone or something, especially very suddenly or unexpectedly. The child protection agency came and snatched our kids away from us without warning. The Labour Party is looking to snatch control of parliament from the Tories.