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snare

A snare is a trap, usually for small animals, and using a noose. Snare can also mean to trap in general or any type of trap, like the snare of a TV cliffhanger that traps you into watching again.

If writers are to be believed, we are surrounded by snares. Francis Beaumont implores us to know that “the world’s a snare.” And Hilda Doolittle asserts that “a snare is Love.” Still Soren Kierkegaard lets us know that “the truth is a snare: you cannot have it, without being caught.” Whoever is right, it seems that you can’t escape. A snare is also a type of small drum that rattles, as well as a wire loop used by surgeons.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: snare

1
 nv
a trap for birds or small mammals; often has a slip noose
catch in or as if in a trap
2
 n
a small drum with two heads and a snare stretched across the lower head
FULL DEFINITIONS OF: snare
1

n a trap for birds or small mammals; often has a slip noose

Synonyms:
gin, noose
Type of:
trap
a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned

n something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares

“it was all a snare and delusion”
Synonyms:
trap
Types:
iron trap
a trap from which there is no escape
speed trap
a trap arranged on a roadway for catching speeders
Type of:
design, plan
an arrangement scheme

n a surgical instrument consisting of wire hoop that can be drawn tight around the base of polyps or small tumors to sever them; used especially in body cavities

Type of:
surgical instrument
a medical instrument used in surgery

v catch in or as if in a trap

Synonyms:
ensnare, entrap, trammel, trap
Types:
gin
trap with a snare
Type of:
capture, catch
capture as if by hunting, snaring, or trapping

v entice and trap

“The car salesman had snared three potential customers”
Synonyms:
hook
accost, hook, solicit
approach with an offer of sexual favors
Type of:
entice, lure, tempt
provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion
2

n a small drum with two heads and a snare stretched across the lower head

Synonyms:
side drum, snare drum
Type of:
drum, membranophone, tympan
a musical percussion instrument; usually consists of a hollow cylinder with a membrane stretched across each end

n strings stretched across the lower head of a snare drum; they make a rattling sound when the drum is hit

Type of:
string
a tightly stretched cord of wire or gut, which makes sound when plucked, struck, or bowed
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