From Middle Dutch 'snappen' (to seize, bite), of imitative origin — the 'sn-' cluster mimics the sharp sound.
To break suddenly with a sharp cracking sound; to bite at.
From Middle Dutch or Middle Low German 'snappen' meaning 'to seize, snap, bite,' of imitative origin. The sharp sound of something breaking is mimicked by the consonant cluster 'sn-.' Key roots: snappen (Middle Dutch: "to seize, bite (imitative)").