Ensnare: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone or something is trapped in a deceptive way or a difficult situation, often with the sense of being caught unexpectedly.

• The spider ensnared the fly in its web.
• He was ensnared by creditors due to his poor financial decisions.

Used when taking something or someone by force, often in a physical sense, and can also refer to capturing attention or interest.

• The police managed to capture the escaped prisoner.
• The photographer captured a beautiful sunset.

Used when someone is caught in a situation often through trickery or deceit, similar to ensnare but more focused on the act of trickery.

• The undercover agent tried to entrap the criminal with a sting operation.
• He felt entrapped by the fine print in the contract.

Used when someone is forced into slavery, with strong negative connotations related to loss of freedom and control.

• The dictator sought to enslave the entire population.
• Many people were enslaved during that dark period of history.