ensnares; ensnared; ensnaring
: to catch (an animal or person) in a trap or in a place from which there is no escape
The animals got ensnared in the net.
The police successfully ensnared the burglar.
—often used figurativelyHe was ensnared [=trapped, caught] in/by his own web of lies.
The project became hopelessly ensnared [=entangled] in red tape.
Cite this Entry
“Ensnare.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/ensnare. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
