ENGLISH
REFERENCE

snort

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsnɔɹt// UK //snˈɔːt// snort Archaic Slang

v. to make a loud noise by forcing air out through your nose. You might do this when you are laughing, angry, or showing that you think something is silly.

v. to force air violently through the nose with a rough, audible sound. Often used to express contempt, amusement, or indignation.


SIMPLE

He tried to hide his laugh but let out a loud snort.

CONTEXTUAL

When I suggested that we should walk ten miles in the rain, she just gave a loud snort of derision.

COMPLEX

The horse gave a sudden snort and tossed its head, startled by the rustling of the dry leaves in the autumn wind.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English snorten, from earlier fnorten, from Old English *fnorettan, related to Middle English snoren, fnoren, from Old English fnora. See snore and sneeze for more on the change from fn- to sn-.

Usage

Can be used as an intransitive verb or transitively when referring to the inhalation of a substance.

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