Ensnare: meaning, definitions and examples

🕸️

Add to dictionary

ensnare

[ɪnˈsnɛər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

trap

To ensnare means to catch or trap someone or something in a snare or trap. It can also refer to capturing someone's attention or interest in a clever or deceitful way.

Synonyms

capture, enslave, entrap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ensnare	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.
capture	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.
entrap	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.
enslave	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.

Examples of usage

Her beauty ensnared him completely.
The spider ensnares its prey in a web.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'ensnare' comes from the prefix 'en-' meaning 'to cause to be' and 'snare,' which has origins in Old English, referring to a trap.
It has been used in English since the 15th century, indicating a long history of trapping imagery in language.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often fall prey to plots that ensnare them emotionally or physically, reflecting themes of deceit and entrapment.
Famous novels like 'Les Misérables' show how characters can be ensnared by their circumstances or choices, leading to moral dilemmas.

Psychology

The concept of being ensnared can illustrate how individuals can be trapped in unhealthy relationships or thought patterns.
Psychological traps, similar to the idea of being ensnared, are often depicted in therapy, where clients work to break free from negative cycles.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters are often ensnared in plots that involve outsmarting villains or escaping from dangerous situations, captivating audiences.
TV shows sometimes portray masterminds using cunning plans to ensnare their foes, which adds suspense and drama.

Nature

In the animal kingdom, predators ensnare their prey using various techniques, such as webs or traps, showcasing the harsh realities of survival.
Certain plants like the Venus flytrap ensnare insects, demonstrating nature's intriguing ways of capturing food.

Translations

Translations of the word "ensnare" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apanhar

🇮🇳 फँसाना

🇩🇪 fangen

🇮🇩 menjebak

🇺🇦 захопити

🇵🇱 schwytać

🇯🇵 捕らえる (とらえる)

🇫🇷 attraper

🇪🇸 atrapar

🇹🇷 yakalamak

🇰🇷 붙잡다

🇸🇦 يوقع في الفخ

🇨🇿 chytit

🇸🇰 chytiť

🇨🇳 抓住 (zhuā zhù)

🇸🇮 ujeti

🇮🇸 veiða

🇰🇿 ұстау

🇬🇪 მოხიბვლა

🇦🇿 tutmaq

🇲🇽 atrapar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,067 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31064 mammogram
31065 envying
31066 butternut
31067 ensnare
31068 miscibility
31069 motherfucker
31070 prehensile
...