ensnare

[ en-snair ]

verb (used with object)

, en·snared, en·snar·ing.

1. to capture in, or involve as in, a snare:

   to be ensnared by lies; to ensnare birds.

   Synonyms: enmesh, entangle, entrap

   Antonyms: release

ensnare

/ ɪnˈsnɛə /

verb

1. to catch or trap in a snare
2. to trap or gain power over someone by dishonest or underhand means

Derived Forms

• enˈsnarer, noun
• enˈsnarement, noun

Other Words From

• en·snarement noun
• en·snarer noun
• en·snaring·ly adverb
• unen·snared adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ensnare¹

First recorded in 1585–95; en- ¹ + snare ¹

Example Sentences

Instead, cops monitor such sites to ensnare workers and their clients.

From The Daily Beast

To do her job, the alien drives around in a white van and goes looking for men to ensnare.

From The Daily Beast

In that sense, it's a twofer that could ensnare both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

From The Daily Beast

Fraud followers will recognize this as a “prime bank” scam, of the type usually used to ensnare Florida retirees.

From The Daily Beast

There are three pathways the Siren uses to ensnare a target.

From The Daily Beast

We all bow to the seor, and I wonder if he is really the private secretary, or a private humbug, waiting around to ensnare us.

From Project Gutenberg

This insect is the most subtle and dangerous enemy the ant has; the plans which he forms to ensnare his prey, are very ingenious.

From Project Gutenberg

"I must take a little, only a little," he said, and that little continually asserted its power to entice and ensnare.

From Project Gutenberg

But as the mandarin cast his net into the deep he thought he would rather ensnare his host's lovely wife.

From Project Gutenberg

Whilst they are reeling under the blow throw out a gentle hint that Constance may ensnare Traill's nephew.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cheat
• embroil
• enmesh
• entangle
• entrap
• mislead
• snare