noun

snare

sneh-uh

noun

A trap, often a wire loop, used to catch animals.

"The poacher set snares along the trail."

A trick or trap that catches someone in a difficult situation.

"The contract was a snare designed to trap unwary investors."

Short for snare drum, a drum with wires stretched across its bottom head to give it a sharp rattle.

"The drummer tightened the snare before the show."

verb

To catch or trap, especially with a loop or trick.

"The hunter snared a rabbit near the hedge."

"She was snared by a fraudulent investment scheme."

How to Use Snare

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA trap, literal or figurative, or the drum used in a kit.

Common pairings

set a snare caught in a snare snare drum

snared past tense, snares plural, Snares plural, SNAREs plural, snares singular

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The poacher set _____ along the trail.

From Old English sneare ("noose, snare"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "loop" or "sling."

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