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ensnare

[en-snair]
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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.
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Also insnare.

Origin of ensnare

First recorded in 1585–95; en-1 + snare1
Related formsen·snare·ment, nounen·snar·er, nounen·snar·ing·ly, adverbun·en·snared, adjective

Synonyms

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entrap, entangle, enmesh.

Antonyms

release.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

embroilment, enmeshment, involvement, mesh, mix-up, snare, tangle, trap, entrapment

Examples from the Web for ensnarement

Historical Examples

  • The House seemed to be literally "lying in wait" for him, with traps set on every side for his ensnarement.

    History of the Impeachment of Andrew Johnson, President of The United States

    Edmund G. Ross

British Dictionary definitions for ensnarement

ensnare

insnare

verb (tr)
  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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Derived Formsensnarement, nounensnarer, noun
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

Word Origin and History for ensnarement

ensnare

v.

1570s, from en- (1) "make, put in" + snare (n.). Related: Ensnared; ensnaring.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper