noose
Americannoun
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a loop with a running knot, as in a snare, lasso, or hangman's halter, that tightens as the rope is pulled.
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a tie or bond; snare.
verb (used with object)
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to secure by or as by a noose.
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to make a noose with or in (a rope or the like).
noun
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a loop in the end of a rope or cord, such as a lasso, snare, or hangman's halter, usually tied with a slipknot
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something that restrains, binds, or traps
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to bring about one's own downfall
verb
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to secure or catch in or as if in a noose
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to make a noose of or in
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of noose
1400–50; late Middle English nose < ?
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.
If rates keep climbing, the fiscal noose might tighten.
From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026
Despite waves of Carthaginian resistance and the increasing hostility of Roman elites, who resented his precocious record and thirst for glory, Scipio tightened the noose around Carthage.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025
"It's been like a noose around our neck, ever since the route was chosen," says Ms Thacker, who has lived in her house for 38 years.
From BBC • Mar. 28, 2025
Or consider the innumerable examples that aren’t just proposals but routine policy: the tidal wave of denied or delayed claims, the noose of restrictive networks, costly deductibles, prescription refusals and on and on.
From Salon • Dec. 6, 2024
For the next four miles that we was riding into the forest, my mind didn’t come offen the hangman’s noose once.
From "The Journey of Little Charlie" by Christopher Paul Curtis
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.
