snare

1 of 2

noun

ˈsner 

1

a(1)

: a contrivance often consisting of a noose for entangling birds or mammals

(2)

: trap entry 1, gin entry 2

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

b

: 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 eye

—Current Biography

snarer noun

Synonyms

Noun

• ambush
• net
• trap
• web

Verb

• catch up
• enmesh
• immesh
• ensnare
• ensnarl
• entangle
• entoil
• entrap
• mesh
• net
• tangle
• trap

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 snare pictures—one of which notably captures the remnants of a meal eaten by Duchamp—would be returned to over and over by Spoerri, who claimed no ownership over the form, asserting that they could be produced by anyone, and required no signature. —News Desk, Artforum, 27 Nov. 2024

In response, the wildlife commission voted to adopt a 36-hour trapping standard for mountain lions, ensuring that live animals are not held in traps or snares for longer than that duration. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 21 June 2024

Verb

Forbes reported that Swift — who became a billionaire in October 2023 — snared the top spot because of her earnings from her blockbuster Eras tour and the value of her catalog. —Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2024

The 154 points accumulated from Spain to Belgium turned it from a plucky challenger hoping to snare a couple of race wins to a genuine threat to Red Bull for the constructors’ championship with 10 races remaining. —Luke Smith, The Athletic, 23 Aug. 2024

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

Phrases Containing snare

• snare drum

Kids Definition

snare

1 of 2 noun

ˈsna(ə)r 

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

snare

noun

ˈsna(ə)r, ˈsne(ə)r 

: 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)