Ensnare
/ɪnˈsnɛər/noun
To catch or trap someone or something, especially with a snare or by trickery.
Did you know?Although it sounds mystical, **ensnare** is just the prefix **en-** plus **snare**, and **snare** itself goes back to an old word for a cord or noose used to catch animals.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
snear
“A noose, snare, or running knot used for catching animals.”
Middle English
ME
ensnaren
“To catch in a snare; to trap.”
14th Century
English
ensnare
“To trap or capture, literally or figuratively.”
Modern English
English
ensnare
“To catch or involve someone in a difficult or dangerous situation.”