A snare is a trap designed to catch animals by looping a cord or wire around them. When an animal steps into a snare, the loop tightens around its leg or neck, holding it in place. Hunters have used snares for thousands of years because they're simple to make and can work even when the hunter isn't nearby.

The word also refers to any kind of trap or dangerous situation that's hard to escape. A dishonest person might try to snare you with a trick or con, getting you tangled up in their scheme before you realize what's happening. A difficult problem might feel like a snare if it keeps trapping your thinking in circles.

In music, a snare drum gets its name from the thin wires (called snares) stretched across its bottom. When you strike the drum, these wires vibrate and rattle against the drumhead, creating that distinctive sharp, crisp sound you hear in marching bands and rock music. The snares can be switched on or off, depending on the sound the drummer wants.

Whether it's a physical trap, a tricky situation, or the wires on a drum, the word snare suggests something that catches and holds tight.