Snare Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snare

[sneษชr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

musical instrument

A snare is a type of drum that has metal strings stretched across the bottom skin. When the drum is hit, these strings vibrate to produce a sharp, distinctive sound.

Synonyms

drum, percussion instrument.

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Word Description / Examples
snare

Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to a type of drum with a distinctive sharp sound, made by the strings (snares) stretched across the bottom.

  • The snare in his drum set really makes the music pop.
  • He tightened the snare to get a crisper sound.
drum

A general term for percussion instruments that produce sound by being struck, whether with hands, sticks, or other tools. It can be used in both professional and casual settings to describe a wide variety of instruments.

  • She played the drum in the school band.
  • He bought a new drum for his music studio.
percussion instrument

A more formal and broad term that includes any instrument that makes sound through being struck, shaken, or scraped. Used in academic, educational, and professional contexts.

  • Percussion instruments play a crucial role in the orchestra.
  • In music class, we learned about different percussion instruments.

Examples of usage

  • The drummer used the snare to keep the rhythm of the song.
  • She adjusted the tension of the snare to change the sound it produced.
Context #2 | Noun

trap

A snare is a device used for trapping animals by looping a noose around their neck or limbs, capturing them alive or killing them.

Synonyms

noose, trap.

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Word Description / Examples
snare

Used mainly when talking about simple trapping devices used for catching animals, often in a bushcraft or survival context. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a trap for people, but usually in a figurative or strategic sense.

  • The hunter set a snare to catch rabbits for dinner.
  • He fell into a financial snare that was hard to escape.
trap

A broad term applicable to various devices or strategies for capturing or deceiving, often used in contexts ranging from physical traps for animals to metaphorical traps in personal or business situations.

  • The mouse fell into the cleverly set trap.
  • She realized too late that the job offer was a trap.
noose

Commonly associated with a rope tied in a loop with a running knot, used for capturing animals or, more infamously, for hanging. The word carries a negative connotation due to its association with execution.

  • They tied a noose to hang the picture frame securely.
  • The criminal was sentenced to death by the noose.

Examples of usage

  • The hunter set up snares to catch rabbits in the forest.
  • The snare was successful in trapping the wild boar.
Context #3 | Verb

capture

To snare means to catch or trap something or someone using a snare or a similar method.

Synonyms

capture, trap.

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Word Description / Examples
snare

Used when talking about catching someone or something in a tricky or deceptive way. This word often has a negative connotation.

  • The hunter used a snare to catch the rabbit.
  • She was snared by the complex scheme.
capture

Commonly used in both physical and metaphorical contexts where something or someone is taken or secured, sometimes with effort or struggle.

  • The police were able to capture the fugitive.
  • The photograph captured the essence of the moment.
trap

Refers to a situation where someone or something is caught or confined, often involving a device or a clever plan. This word can have a negative or neutral connotation depending on the context.

  • They set a trap for the mouse in the kitchen.
  • He felt trapped in his dead-end job.

Examples of usage

  • The police were able to snare the criminal after a long chase.
  • She managed to snare the elusive butterfly in her net.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • In music, a 'snare drum' is a key instrument in many genres, known for its sharp, crisp sound.
  • The snare mechanism in a drum, which consists of wires stretched across the bottom, creates that distinctive, snapping sound.

Psychology

  • The term also metaphorically refers to situations or challenges that can trap or limit one's options or actions.
  • Cognitive biases can act as mental snares, trapping our thoughts in unproductive patterns or beliefs.

Culture

  • In literature and film, snares often symbolize the unexpected challenges and pitfalls characters must navigate.
  • The concept of 'snare' is also prevalent in various folk tales, often highlighting themes of cunning and survival.

Technology

  • In programming, a snare can refer to certain loops or catches in code that trap errors for debugging.
  • The phrase 'data snare' can describe techniques used to capture sensitive information, often in cybersecurity contexts.

Origin of 'snare'

Main points about word origin

  • This term comes from the Old English word 'snear' which means 'to twist' or 'to take by surprise'.
  • Originally, it referred to tools that ensnared or entangled animals, emphasizing stealth and surprise.

The word 'snare' originated from Middle English 'snares' which meant a noose or a snare for catching animals. It has roots in Old Norse 'snara' and Proto-Germanic 'snarkล'. The use of 'snare' to refer to a type of drum developed in the 16th century, inspired by the vibrating strings used in the instrument. Over time, 'snare' has become commonly used in both musical and trapping contexts.


See also: ensnare, snaring.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,526, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.