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# snitch

verb (snitch, snitches, snitched, snitching); noun (a snitch, snitches) — informal

«snitch» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To tell a teacher, parent or other adult that someone has done something wrong (informal and often unkind). [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/snitch/#m1)
2. A person who tells on others. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/snitch/#m2)
3. To steal something small: "snitch a biscuit". [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/snitch/#m3)

### In the lessons

In school life, children may call someone a "snitch" for telling on them. In safety lessons, pupils learn the difference: telling an adult to keep someone safe is not snitching, it is the right thing. In Harry Potter, the Golden Snitch is a small flying ball in Quidditch. Phrases: snitch on someone.

### Examples

- He snitched on his sister for eating the cake. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/snitch/#x1)
- Nobody likes being called a snitch. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/snitch/#x2)
- Telling a teacher about bullying is not snitching. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/snitch/#x3)
- She snitched a cookie from the jar. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/snitch/#x4)
- In Quidditch, the Seeker tries to catch the Snitch. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/snitch/#x5)
- Do not snitch about small things, but always tell about danger. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/snitch/#x6)

### Note

Informal word; in class say "tell on" or "report". Important: if someone is hurt, in danger or being bullied, telling a trusted adult is always right, even if someone calls it snitching. Telling just to get someone in trouble is different from telling to keep someone safe.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «snitch» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/snitch/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«snitch» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/snitch.html) on Mova free.