ensnare

verb

en·​snare in-ˈsner How to pronounce ensnare (audio)
en-
ensnared; ensnaring; ensnares
Synonyms of ensnarenext

transitive verb

: to take in or as if in a snare

Synonyms of ensnare

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catch, capture, trap, snare, entrap, ensnare, bag mean to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing.

catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

trap, snare, entrap, ensnare imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor.

trap and snare apply more commonly to physical seizing.

trap animals
snared butterflies with a net

entrap and ensnare more often are figurative.

entrapped the witness with a trick question
a sting operation that ensnared burglars

bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

Examples of ensnare in a Sentence

The animals got ensnared in the net. The police successfully ensnared the burglar.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Six months later, the war trudges on, indirectly ensnaring much of the world by severely disrupting global trade. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026 The homeowner, Brett Bymaster, lauded officers for ending the chaotic situation swiftly and without any harm to his adult children, son-in-law, and young grandchildren who were unwittingly ensnared in the encounter. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026 This is partially because, for the brief duration of her success, she has been ensnared in a debate over her authenticity. — Abigail Sylvor Greenberg, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026 Abdeen was spared this round of scrutiny, but these leaders, and countless ordinary citizens, would be ensnared in the government’s new dragnet. — Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ensnare

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ensnare was in 1576

Rhymes for ensnare

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Browse Nearby Words

Enslen's vine
ensnare
ensnarement
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Cite this Entry

“Ensnare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ensnare. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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