Definition

1. Noun:

   • A trap for catching animals: A device, typically one using a noose, designed to capture birds or small mammals.
   • A set of strings on a drum: The set of wires or cords stretched across the lower head of a snare drum, which produce a rattling sound.
   • A surgical instrument: A wire loop used in surgery to cut off growths like polyps by tightening around their base.
   • A deceptive or dangerous situation: Something that tempts, entraps, or deceives someone.
   • A type of drum: A small drum with two heads and snares across the lower one.

2. Verb:

   • To catch using a trap: To capture an animal with a snare.
   • To catch or obtain by trickery or deceit: To ensnare or entrap someone, often through cunning or attractive means.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The hunter set a snare to catch rabbits.
  • The drummer adjusted the snare on his drum.
  • The promise of easy money was just a snare for the unwary investors.

• Verb:

  • They managed to snare several birds for the study.
  • The detective snared the criminal with a clever trick.

Advanced Usage

• "To fall into a snare": To become caught in a trap or a deceptive situation.

  • Many young people fall into the snare of get-rich-quick schemes.

• "A snare and a delusion": Something that is both entrapping and fundamentally deceptive or false.

  • The cult's promises of salvation proved to be a snare and a delusion.

Variants and Related Words

• Snare drum (n): A small double-headed drum with snares that produce a sharp, rattling sound.
  • The marching band's rhythm was led by the snare drum.

Synonyms

• Noun: Trap, noose, gin, pitfall, deception.
• Verb: Trap, ensnare, entrap, catch, capture.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(The word "snare" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically contained within the single verb form.)

Related Idioms

• "To lay/place a snare for someone": To set a trap or create a deceptive situation intended to catch or trick someone.
  • The spy laid a complex snare for his counterpart.

Noun

1. a trap for birds or small mammals; often has a slip noose
2. strings stretched across the lower head of a snare drum; they make a rattling sound when the drum is hit
3. a surgical instrument consisting of wire hoop that can be drawn tight around the base of polyps or small tumors to sever them; used especially in body cavities
4. a small drum with two heads and a snare stretched across the lower head
5. something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares
   • the exam was full of trap questions
   • it was all a snare and delusion

Verb

1. entice and trap
   • The car salesman had snared three potential customers
2. catch in or as if in a trap
   • The men trap foxes