Snared Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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snared
[snɛrd ]
Definition
caught in trap
To be snared means to be caught in a trap or a situation where escape is difficult. It often refers to animals caught in a physical trap, but can also describe people caught in difficult circumstances or deceptive situations. The term implies an element of surprise and a lack of control over the situation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The rabbit was snared in a wire loop.
- He felt snared by his own lies.
- The old tree snared the climber's equipment.
- The detective snared the suspect in a clever trap.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In classic literature, snares often symbolize entrapments of fate or choices that lead to unavoidable outcomes.
- Many poets and writers use the concept of being snared as a metaphor for being caught in love or desire.
- Snares in stories can represent both physical traps and emotional or psychological struggles.
Nature & Wildlife
- Hunting snares have been used by various cultures worldwide to trap animals for food, showcasing ingenuity and survival skills.
- Certain plants, like the Venus flytrap, can be considered natural snares, as they capture their prey with intricate mechanisms.
- Understanding how snares work can teach about animal behavior and the ecosystems where they are set.
Pop Culture
- In film and television, 'snaring' often refers to characters getting caught in webs of deception or complex circumstances.
- Video games frequently use snares as a game mechanic, where players must avoid or set them to navigate challenges.
- The phrase 'snared by the web of social media' illustrates how modern technology can trap individuals in cycles of engagement.
Psychology
- The feeling of being snared can manifest as anxiety or stress, where individuals feel trapped by their circumstances.
- In therapy, discussing feelings of being snared can help clients untangle complex emotions and identify paths forward.
- The 'snare' metaphor is often used to describe addictive behaviors, depicting how one can feel trapped in a cycle.
Origin of 'snared'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'snare' comes from Middle English 'snerre', which means 'to catch by a strap or rope'.
- Old Norse influences contributed a meaning of entrapment, reflecting its use in hunting and fishing.
- The evolution of the word also highlights its transition from physical traps to metaphorical ones in language.
The word 'snare' originates from the Middle English 'snerre', which is a variant of the Old French 'esner', meaning to ensnare or entrap. This Old French term can be traced back to the Latin 'exnervare', meaning to unnerve or pull apart. The concept of trapping has been a part of human existence, used for hunting and protection. The word has evolved over time, maintaining its essential meaning related to catching or entrapping. In contemporary usage, 'snared' can describe not only literal traps for animals but also metaphorical traps involving emotional, social, or legal constraints. The nuance of deceit or manipulation in being 'snared' adds layers to its modern interpretation.