snare

1 of 2

noun

1
a(1)
: a contrivance often consisting of a noose for entangling birds or mammals
b(1)
: something by which one is entangled, involved in difficulties, or impeded
(2)
: something deceptively attractive
2
[probably from Dutch snaar, literally, cord; akin to Old High German snuor]
a
: one of the catgut strings or metal spirals of a snare drum
3
: a surgical instrument consisting usually of a wire loop constricted by a mechanism in the handle and used for removing tissue masses (such as tonsils)

snare

2 of 2

verb

snared; snaring

transitive verb

1
a
: to capture by or as if by use of a snare
b
: to win or attain by artful or skillful maneuvers
2
: to entangle or hold as if in a snare
any object that snared his eyeCurrent Biography
snarer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for snare

catch, capture, trap, snare, entrap, ensnare, bag mean to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing.

catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

trap, snare, entrap, ensnare imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor.

trap and snare apply more commonly to physical seizing.

trap animals
snared butterflies with a net

entrap and ensnare more often are figurative.

entrapped the witness with a trick question
a sting operation that ensnared burglars

bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

Examples of snare in a Sentence

Noun people caught in the snare of drug addiction you fell for my clever snare, you fool! Verb They caught fish and snared seabirds. Unfortunately, the nets also snare turtles. They snared first place in the contest. trying to snare business from competitors The shortstop snared a high throw from the outfield.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The kit’s snares, toms, and cymbals all feature noise-absorbing inserts, mesh heads, and vents meant to reduce excess noise, or at least keep as much of it confined to your headphones as possible. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2024 The snare's rim is also triggered independently from the head, and is covered in soft rubber for quieter rim shots. New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2024
Verb
Goodie cut across the middle, snared Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi’s pass with one hand, split the Air Force defense and sprinted untouched for the final 57 yards. Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2024 The high-octane action flick snared just $67 million during its domestic run. Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for snare 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'snare.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English sneare, probably from Old Norse snara; akin to Old High German snuor cord and perhaps to Greek narkē numbness

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of snare was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near snare

Cite this Entry

“Snare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snare. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

snare

1 of 2 noun
ˈsna(ə)r How to pronounce snare (audio)
ˈsne(ə)r
1
a
: a trap often consisting of a noose for catching small animals or birds
b
: something by which one is entangled, trapped, or deceived
2
: one of the catgut strings or metal spirals stretched across the bottom of a snare drum

snare

2 of 2 verb
snared; snaring
1
: to capture or entangle by or as if by use of a snare
2
: to win by skillful or deceptive measures
snarer noun

Medical Definition

: a surgical instrument consisting usually of a wire loop constricted by a mechanism in the handle and used for removing tissue masses (as tonsils or polyps)

More from Merriam-Webster on snare

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