First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1snuff
noun \ˈsnəf\
Definition of SNUFF
1
: the charred part of a candlewick
Origin of SNUFF
Middle English snoffe
2snuff
transitive verb
Definition of SNUFF
1
: to crop the snuff of (a candle) by pinching or by the use of snuffers so as to brighten the light
2
a : to extinguish by or as if by the use of a candlesnuffer —often used with out b : to make extinct : put an end to —usually used with out <snuffed out their hopes>; also : kill, execute <snuffed the bad guys>
— snuff it
British
: die
First Known Use of SNUFF
15th century
3snuff
adjective
Definition of SNUFF
: characterized by the sensationalistic depiction of violence; especially : featuring a real rather than a staged murder <snuff movies>
First Known Use of SNUFF
1971
4snuff
verb
Definition of SNUFF
transitive verb
1
: to draw forcibly through or into the nostrils
3
: to sniff at in order to examine —used of an animal
intransitive verb
1
: to inhale through the nose noisily and forcibly; also : to sniff or smell inquiringly
2
obsolete : to sniff loudly in or as if in disgust
3
: to take snuff
Origin of SNUFF
akin to Dutch snuffen to sniff, snuff — more at snivel
First Known Use: 1527
5snuff
noun
6snuff
noun
Definition of SNUFF
1
: a preparation of pulverized tobacco to be inhaled through the nostrils, chewed, or placed against the gums
2
: the amount of snuff taken at one time
— up to snuff
: of sufficient quality : meeting an applicable standard
Origin of SNUFF
Dutch snuf, short for snuftabak, from snuffen to snuff + tabak tobacco
First Known Use: 1650
SNUFF Defined for Kids
1snuff
noun \ˈsnəf\
Definition of SNUFF for Kids
: powdered tobacco that is chewed, placed against the gums, or drawn in through the nostrils
2snuff
verb
snuffedsnuff·ing
Definition of SNUFF for Kids
: to draw through or into the nose with force
3snuff
verb
snuffedsnuffing
Definition of SNUFF for Kids
1
: to cut or pinch off the burned end of the wick of a candle
2
: to put an end to
Medical Dictionary
snuff
noun \ˈsnəf\
Medical Definition of SNUFF
: a preparation of pulverized tobacco to be inhaled through the nostrils, chewed, or placed against the gums; also : a preparation of a powdered drug to be inhaled through the nostrils
Learn More About SNUFF
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