Words / B2

in-SNAIR/ɪnˈsneə/

To ensnare is to trap a person or animal, often by a trick or a net: ensnare in; ensnared by. Entrap is a close legal twin; catch is everyday; snare is the noun trap. Do not write ensnare for a fair arrest. Mix-up: ensnare vs snore; ensnare vs ensure; do not write ensnare for a person who simply agreed to a deal with no trap in the source.

Meaning

To trap a person or animal, often by a trick or a net (ensnare in).

Examples

• “Do not write ensnare for a fair arrest; name the trap or the clause if the source gives it.”
• “Birds were ensnared in the net, which is the animal sense — still name the species if given.”

Good to know

ensnare in / by; ensnared. Close: entrap / catch. Noun: snare. Trap: snore / ensure / a fair deal. Literature, biology, and citizenship. Trap by a trick or a net — name the snare.

Near in meaning

trap, entrap, catch

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