plural snares
1
: a device that has a loop (called a noose) which gets smaller when the end of it is pulled and that is used to catch animals : a kind of trap
a rabbit snare
2
: a position or situation from which it is difficult to escape
people caught in the snare of drug addiction
3
snares; snared; snaring
1
a
: to catch (an animal) in a snare
They caught fish and snared seabirds.
—often used figurativelyPolice snared the thief outside the bank.
b
: to cause (something) to become caught in something (such as a net or trap)
Unfortunately, the nets also snare turtles.
—usually used as (be/get) snaredThousands of turtles get snared [=ensnared] in the nets each year.
—sometimes used figurativelyanother politician snared [=caught, entangled] in another scandal
2
: to win or get (something) by skillful action or good luck
I was lucky enough to snare [=(more commonly) snag] a job with a good salary and benefits.
They snared first place in the contest.
trying to snare business from competitors
3
US, sports
: to catch (a thrown or hit ball) usually by jumping
The shortstop snared a high throw from the outfield.
Cite this Entry
“Snare.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/snare. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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