snare

/snɛər/
/snɛə/
IPA guide

Other forms: snares; snared; snaring

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.

Definitions of snare
  1. noun
    a trap for birds or small mammals; often has a slip noose
    synonyms: gin, noose
    see moresee less
    type of:
    trap
    a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
  2. noun
    something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares
    “it was all a snare and delusion”
    synonyms: trap
    see moresee less
    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
  3. noun
    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
    see moresee less
    type of:
    surgical instrument
    a medical instrument used in surgery
  4. verb
    catch in or as if in a trap
    synonyms: ensnare, entrap, trammel, trap
    see moresee less
    types:
    gin
    trap with a snare
    type of:
    capture, catch
    capture as if by hunting, snaring, or trapping
  5. verb
    entice and trap
    “The car salesman had snared three potential customers”
    synonyms: hook
    hook, solicit
    approach with an offer of sexual favors
    see moresee less
    type of:
    entice, lure, tempt
    provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion
  6. noun
    a small drum with two heads and a snare stretched across the lower head
    synonyms: side drum, snare drum
    see moresee less
    type of:
    drum, membranophone, tympan
    a musical percussion instrument; usually consists of a hollow cylinder with a membrane stretched across each end
  7. noun
    strings stretched across the lower head of a snare drum; they make a rattling sound when the drum is hit
    see moresee less
    type of:
    string
    a tightly stretched cord of wire or gut, which makes sound when plucked, struck, or bowed
Pronunciation
US
/snɛər/
UK
/snɛə/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘snare'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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