Snare vs. Ensnare — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 25, 2024
"Snare" refers to a trap or a situation that captures, often used literally and figuratively, whereas "ensnare" emphasizes the act of trapping or capturing, typically used in a metaphorical sense.
Difference Between Snare and Ensnare
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Key Differences
"Snare" can denote both a physical trap used to capture animals and a situation that metaphorically traps someone. Whereas "ensnare" specifically refers to the action of trapping and often carries a metaphorical or abstract implication.
Snare is commonly used in contexts involving hunting or capturing, where a device is set up to catch prey. On the other hand, ensnare is more frequently used to describe a process or action where someone becomes gradually trapped in a situation, often without realizing it.
In music, "snare" refers to a type of drum known for its sharp, cracking sound, underscoring its diverse usage beyond trapping. Conversely, ensnare lacks this additional meaning and is primarily used in the context of capturing or entangling.
Literature and speech often utilize "snare" to describe entrapments both physical and emotional. Ensnare, however, is typically reserved for describing more complex or deceitful situations, often involving trickery or manipulation.
While both terms can be used interchangeably in the context of trapping, snare might appear in more technical or straightforward contexts such as wildlife management. Ensnare, however, is preferred in literary or dramatic contexts, emphasizing the cunning or stealth involved in the entrapment.
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Comparison Chart
Literal Usage
Trap device for animals
Act of capturing or trapping
Figurative Usage
Situation that traps someone
Process of becoming trapped
Additional Meanings
Musical instrument (drum)
None
Context Usage
Hunting, straightforward traps
Complex, deceitful situations
Typical Settings
Wildlife management, music
Literature, speeches
Compare with Definitions
Snare
A type of drum with a sharp, distinct sound.
She played the snare drum in the marching band.
Ensnare
To catch in or as if in a trap.
The animal was ensnared by the hidden net.
Snare
Something that serves as a trap or entanglement.
The contract proved to be a snare, full of hidden clauses.
Ensnare
To trap, entangle, or capture, often by deceit or trickery.
The spy ensnared his targets in a complex web of lies.
Snare
A trap used for catching animals, typically consisting of a noose.
He set a snare in the woods to catch the fox.
Ensnare
To entrap in a legal or moral dilemma.
The politician was ensnared by his own corrupt practices.
Snare
To catch or trap someone or something.
The investigators snares the suspect in a sting operation.
Ensnare
To involve someone in a situation from which it is difficult to escape.
She was ensnared in a scandal that ruined her reputation.
Snare
A situation that leads to unforeseen consequences.
The deal was a snare that cost him his career.
Ensnare
To attract and hold fast.
His charisma ensnared the audience, captivating everyone.
Snare
A trap for catching birds or mammals, typically one having a noose of wire or cord.
Ensnare
To take or catch in or as if in a snare; trap.
Snare
A length of wire, gut, or hide stretched across a drumhead to produce a rattling sound.
Ensnare
To entrap; to catch in a snare or trap.
Snare
A wire loop for severing polyps or other growths.
Ensnare
To entangle; to enmesh.
Snare
Catch (a bird or mammal) in a snare
The foxes were humanely snared
Ensnare
To catch in a snare. See Insnare.
Snare
A trapping device, often consisting of a noose, used for capturing birds and small mammals.
Ensnare
Take or catch as if in a snare or trap;
I was set up!
The innocent man was framed by the police
Snare
Something that lures or entangles the unwary
The snares of merchandisers.
The snare of debt.
Ensnare
Catch in or as if in a trap;
The men trap foxes
Snare
A surgical instrument with a wire loop controlled by a mechanism in the handle, used to remove growths, such as tumors and polyps.
Snare
Any of the wires or cords stretched across the lower drumhead of a snare drum so as to vibrate against it.
Snare
A snare drum.
Snare
To trap with or as if with a snare.
Snare
To get hold or control of (something difficult to catch)
The fielder snared the ground ball.
Snare
A trap (especially one made from a loop of wire, string, or leather).
Snare
A mental or psychological trap.
Snare
(veterinary) A loop of cord used in obstetric cases, to hold or to pull a fetus from the mother animal.
Snare
(surgery) A similar looped instrument formerly used to remove tumours etc.
Snare
(music) A set of stiff wires held under tension against the lower skin of a drum to create a rattling sound.
Snare
(music) A snare drum.
Snare
(transitive) To catch or hold, especially with a loop.
Snare
To ensnare.
Snare
A contrivance, often consisting of a noose of cord, or the like, by which a bird or other animal may be entangled and caught; a trap; a gin.
Snare
Hence, anything by which one is entangled and brought into trouble.
If thou retire, the Dauphin, well appointed,Stands with the snares of war to tangle thee.
Snare
The gut or string stretched across the lower head of a drum.
Snare
An instrument, consisting usually of a wireloop or noose, for removing tumors, etc., by avulsion.
Snare
To catch with a snare; to insnare; to entangle; hence, to bring into unexpected evil, perplexity, or danger.
Lest that too heavenly form . . . snare them.
The mournful crocodileWith sorrow snares relenting passengers.
Snare
Something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares;
The exam was full of trap questions
It was all a snare and delusion
Snare
A small drum with two heads and a snare stretched across the lower head
Snare
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
Snare
Strings stretched across the lower head of a snare drum; they make a rattling sound when the drum is hit
Snare
A trap for birds or small mammals; often has a noose
Snare
Catch in or as if in a trap;
The men trap foxes
Snare
Entice and trap;
The car salesman had snared three potential customers
Common Curiosities
What does ensnare mean?
Ensnare means to trap, capture, or entangle, often using cunning or deceit.
How are snare and ensnare used differently?
Snare can denote physical traps or situations, and it's also a type of drum, whereas ensnare focuses on the action of trapping, typically metaphorically.
What does snare mean?
Snare refers to a device or situation that traps or captures.
What is the difference between a snare drum and being ensnared?
A snare drum is a musical instrument known for its distinctive sound, while being ensnared refers to being trapped in a situation or dilemma.
What are the origins of the words snare and ensnare?
Both originate from Old Norse and Middle English, relating to trapping and capturing.
How does the use of snare in music differ from its general meaning?
In music, snare refers to a specific drum, distinct from the general trapping meaning, though both involve capturing attention or sound.
Are there legal implications for using snare or ensnare?
Legally, both can describe situations of entrapment or deceit, often relevant in criminal justice contexts.
Can the terms snare and ensnare be used interchangeably?
In the context of trapping or capturing, they can be somewhat interchangeable, but ensnare often implies a complexity or deceit not inherent in snare.
Why might someone prefer to use ensnare in literature?
Ensnare is preferred in literature to convey the complexities and often deceptive nature of entrapments.
Is it correct to say someone is ensnared by beauty?
Yes, it's a metaphorical use indicating being captivated or irresistibly attracted, often beyond simple admiration.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
