noose

1 of 2

noun

ˈnüs 

1

: a loop with a slipknot that binds closer the more it is drawn

2

: something that snares like a noose

noose

2 of 2

verb

noosed; noosing

transitive verb

1

: to secure by a noose

2

: to make a noose in or of

Synonyms

Noun

• entanglement
• mesh(es)
• morass
• net
• quagmire
• quicksand
• snare
• tanglement
• toil(s)
• trap
• web

Examples of noose in a Sentence

Noun

the representative was forced to resign after getting caught in a noose of lies and corruption

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In 2022, construction of the library was halted for several days after a noose was found on site. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

But Fawkes, who was the final conspirator to make his way to the noose, escaped the full horrors of his sentence. —Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025

Verb

In 2023, Vail claimed that Oliva had a fixation with knots and nooses as well as stealing art supplies, like paint brushes, in high school. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English nose, of uncertain origin

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing noose

• slip noose
• tighten the noose

Kids Definition

noose

noun

ˈnüs

: a loop that passes through a knot at the end of a line so that it gets smaller when the other end of the line is pulled