noose

American  

[noos] / nus /

noun

1. a loop with a running knot, as in a snare, lasso, or hangman's halter, that tightens as the rope is pulled.

2. a tie or bond; snare.

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verb (used with object)

noosed, noosing

1. to secure by or as by a noose.

2. to make a noose with or in (a rope or the like).

noose British  

/ nuːs /

noun

1. a loop in the end of a rope or cord, such as a lasso, snare, or hangman's halter, usually tied with a slipknot

2. something that restrains, binds, or traps

3. to bring about one's own downfall

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verb

1. to secure or catch in or as if in a noose

2. to make a noose of or in

Other Word Forms

• nooser noun
• unnoosed adjective

Etymology

Origin of noose

1400–50; late Middle English nose < ?

Example Sentences

You’re able to evade feeling pinched by the noose of transactional cosmopolitianism.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

The reader feels the noose tighten and shares Ms. Chang’s distress as it becomes evident after 2018 that she can no longer visit her home country—or her mother’s deathbed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

If rates keep climbing, the fiscal noose might tighten.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

But those who claimed sanctuary and took an oath were safe from the noose, for the time being.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

We were out by old Highway 11, having slipped the noose of the last suburb of East City.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline