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Synonyms

ensnare

American  
[en-snair] / ɛnˈsnɛər /

verb (used with object)

ensnared, ensnaring
  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 British  
/ ɪnˈsnɛə /

verb

  1. to catch or trap in a snare

  2. to trap or gain power over someone by dishonest or underhand means

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • ensnarement noun
  • ensnarer noun
  • ensnaringly adverb
  • unensnared adjective

Etymology

Origin of ensnare

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

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.

Quite the contrary: It is a chronicle of how their hoop dreams are deferred at nearly every turn, and of how the big-money machinery of institutional basketball cares little for the people it ensnares.

From New York Times

But by early 2015, a Chinese anticorruption campaign, aimed at officials on the take from freewheeling billionaires, had ensnared Mr. Ma.

From New York Times

The slow drip of allegations of bid-rigging in the run-up to the Tokyo Games, which were delayed until 2021 because of the pandemic, has ensnared some of Japan’s top companies.

From New York Times

The state’s brief said Juul’s marketing was designed to ensnare children by attracting “cool kids” and using social media and celebrities to act as “pushers” of its addictive products.

From Washington Times

“JUUL embarked on a design and marketing campaign that would ensnare children, focusing on attracting ‘cool kids,’ creating a nicotine ‘buzz,’ and using social media and celebrities to act as ‘pushers’ of its addictive products.

From Seattle Times