I. ˈsna(a)](ə)r, ˈsne], ]ə noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sneare, from Old Norse snara; akin to Middle Dutch snaer cord, string, Middle Low German snāre cord, string, Old High German snaraha, snarha noose, snare, snuor cord, Greek narkē numbness — more at narrow
1.
a. : a contrivance typically consisting of a running noose (as of wire or cord) by which a bird or other animal may be caught ; broadly : trap , gin
b. : something by which one is entangled, involved in difficulties, held fast, or impeded in one's progress ; often : something deceptively attractive : a misleading lure
2.
[probably from Dutch snaar, literally, cord, string, from Middle Dutch snaer \]
a. : one of the gut strings or metal spirals of a snare drum
b. : snare drum
3. : a surgical instrument consisting usually of a wire loop or noose that can be constricted by a mechanism in the handle and used for removing tissue masses (as tonsils, polyps, granulations)
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English snaren, from snare, n.
1.
a. : to capture or gain possession of by or as if by use of a snare
pigeons snared in a trap
snaring the ball out of the air
b. : to win or attain by artful or skillful maneuvers
snare an important appointment
2. : to cause to become enmeshed in unanticipated complexities, difficulties, or distress : entangle as if in a snare
urban dissipations that snare unwary countrymen
Synonyms: see catch