snare
UK[sneə]US[sner]
n
a trap for catching birds or animals, typically one that uses a noose of wire or cord.
n
a situation or course of action that is likely to lead to an undesirable outcome.
n
a length of wire, gut, or hide stretched across a drumhead to produce a rattling sound.
v
catch or trap (someone or something) using a snare.
Etymology
the word 'snare' entered english from old norse 'snara', a term for a noose or trap. this norse word is itself derived from a proto-germanic root, likely related to concepts of twisting or turning, which is apt for describing the looped mechanism of a trap. the semantic journey is direct, with the core meaning of a catching device remaining stable from its ancient origins to modern english. over time, its application broadened metaphorically to describe any entangling situation and technically to name a component of a drum.
Analysis
this word is a simplex. it is a loanword from old norse, where its form was 'snara', meaning 'noose, snare'. its functional role is as a complete lexical root.
Examples
the rabbit was caught in a snare set by the hunter.
his promise of easy money was just a snare to lure in the unwary.
the drummer adjusted the snare on his kit before the performance.