ensnare

[en-snair]

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

/ ɪnˈsnɛə /

verb

1. to catch or trap in a snare

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ensnare¹

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

Example Sentences

"They're built to ensnare sharks or fish and they're deadly effective, but sadly completely indiscriminate," says Dean Cropp who, as a cinematographer and ocean explorer, has been documenting these nets for years.

From BBC

Recently, the city updated its codes to make issues like the second-story rule that ensnared the Zilinskases easier to overcome, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

By the time Ruvalcaba realized she was ensnared in an elaborate romance scam bolstered by the use of artificial intelligence, she had lost nearly everything.

From Los Angeles Times

Are we not warmed by the same ultraviolet rays, quenched by the same pirated water, ensnared in the same gill net of freeways?

From Los Angeles Times

Victims say soaring scams, weak bank safeguards, and poor recovery expose regulatory gaps in a country where digital banking has outpaced cybercrime checks, ensnaring people across classes.

From BBC

Related Words

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