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

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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

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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

The committed band of Minneapolis residents organized spontaneously, defying the deep-freeze conditions to confront the operation that has ensnared longtime city residents.

From Barron's

The purges soon widened, ensnaring generals who had worked in arms procurement—including China’s defense minister at the time, Li Shangfu.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite a number of recent high-profile frauds that ensnared banks like JPMorgan, overall the bank’s loan books have remained healthy with low defaults.

From The Wall Street Journal

If you heed our words, you will avoid the pitfalls that ensnare many others.

From Barron's

In between, it tells the story of an ordinary man ensnared in Brazil’s political turmoil during the late 1970s.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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