ensnare

/ɛnˈsnɛr/

/ɛnˈsnɛ/

Other forms: ensnared; ensnaring; ensnares

To ensnare something is to trap it. Instead of using snapping mousetraps, you might try to ensnare the mice in your kitchen and set them free outside.

While you can use the verb ensnare to talk about literally catching something in a trap, it's also useful for more figurative kinds of traps. Your French teacher might try to ensnare you in becoming more involved in the French club, or rush hour traffic might ensnare you as you rush to make it to work on time. The word combines the prefix en, or "put in," and snare, with its Old Norse root snara, "noose or snare."

Definitions of ensnare

1. verb

   take or catch as if in a snare or trap
   synonyms: entrap, frame, set up

   type of:

   cozen, deceive, delude, lead on

   be false to; be dishonest with
2. verb

   catch in or as if in a trap
   synonyms: entrap, snare, trammel, trap

   types:

   gin

   trap with a snare

   type of:

   capture, catch

   capture as if by hunting, snaring, or trapping