Definition

1. Noun:

   • A loop formed in a cord or rope with a slipknot: A loop that tightens when the free end of the rope is pulled.
   • A trap for animals: A snare, often using a slipknot loop, designed to catch birds or small mammals.
   • A symbol of constraint or danger: Something that binds, restricts, or entraps someone.

2. Verb:

   • To secure or catch with a noose: To use a loop with a slipknot to bind or trap something.
   • To make a noose: To form a loop with a slipknot in a rope or cord.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The hunter set a noose to catch the rabbit.
  • He felt the tightening noose of debt around his finances.
  • The rope had a noose at one end.

• Verb:

  • The cowboy noosed the calf quickly and efficiently.
  • She noosed the end of the rope to create a secure loop.

Advanced Usage

• "To put one's head in a noose": To willingly enter a dangerous or entrapping situation.

  • By signing that contract without reading it, he put his head in a noose.

• "The noose tightens": A situation is becoming more dangerous, restrictive, or inescapable.

  • As the investigation continued, the noose tightened around the suspect.

Variants and Related Words

• Snare (n): A trap, often consisting of a noose, for catching animals.
• Lasso (n): A long rope with a running noose at one end, used especially to catch cattle.
• Slipknot (n): A knot that slips along the rope, allowing the noose to tighten.

Synonyms

• Loop: A shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself.
• Trap: A device or scheme for catching or ensnaring.
• Bond: Something that binds or restrains.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

(Note: "Noose" is not commonly used in standard phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal use is typically transitive.) - Noose up (rare): To fasten or secure with a noose. - He noosed up the package with a length of twine.

Related Idioms

• A noose around one's neck: A persistent problem or burden.
  • The mortgage was a noose around his neck for thirty years.
• To slip the noose: To escape from a dangerous or binding situation.
  • The fugitive managed to slip the noose and evade capture.

Noun

1. a loop formed in a cord or rope by means of a slipknot; it binds tighter as the cord or rope is pulled
2. a trap for birds or small mammals; often has a slip noose

Verb

1. secure with a noose
2. make a noose in or of