ensnare
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
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to catch or trap in a snare
-
to trap or gain power over someone by dishonest or underhand means
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of ensnare
Explanation
To ensnare something is to trap it. Instead of using snapping mousetraps, you might try to ensnare the mice in your kitchen and set them free outside. While you can use the verb ensnare to talk about literally catching something in a trap, it's also useful for more figurative kinds of traps. Your French teacher might try to ensnare you in becoming more involved in the French club, or rush hour traffic might ensnare you as you rush to make it to work on time. The word combines the prefix en, or "put in," and snare, with its Old Norse root snara, "noose or snare."
Vocabulary lists containing ensnare
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
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The Odyssey
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Surviving Hitler
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Returning to Ensnare Old Rockers and Young Why do they all look like Paul?
From New York Times • Jul. 25, 2013
Ensnare, the beast in question, had won three races for Ian Williams before passing through Jeff Pearce's yard to join the Quinlans early this year.
From The Guardian • Jul. 8, 2011
Ensnare, their winner on Tuesday, was the latest to follow a pattern that makes the Quinlans hard to love, from a punter's perspective.
From The Guardian • Jul. 8, 2011
Then, too, his gallant height and handsome face, Equipment strange, and bearing full of grace Ensnare her fancy.
From Indian Legends of Minnesota by Severance, Cordenio A., Mrs.
Who Practice it, How it is Perpetrated, and upon Whom—The Birds who are Caught and the Fowlers who Ensnare them—With other Interesting Matters on the same Subject.
From Danger! A True History of a Great City's Wiles and Temptations The Veil Lifted, and Light Thrown on Crime and its Causes, and Criminals and their Haunts. Facts and Disclosures. by Howe, William F.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
