snare
UK: sneə | US: sner
n. 1. A trap for catching animals, typically one with a noose.
n. 2. A situation or trick that lures someone into harm or difficulty.
vt. 1. To catch or trap (an animal or person) using a snare.
vt. 2. To entice or trick someone into a compromising situation.
The word "snare" traces back to Old Norse snara, meaning "noose" or "trap." It entered Middle English via Old Norse influence during the Viking Age. The original concept of a looped rope or cord used to ensnare prey evolved metaphorically to describe deceptive traps in human interactions. The simplicity of the word's structure reflects its ancient, practical origins in hunting and survival.
The hunter set a snare to catch rabbits in the forest.
She felt the interview question was a snare designed to trap her into admitting fault.
The spy avoided the snare laid by enemy agents.
His lies eventually snared him in a web of contradictions.
The legal loophole acted as a snare for unwary businesses.