trap
trap Lexical Profile
trap Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A mechanical device, pit, or enclosure designed to catch and hold animals or people.
"The researchers set a harmless trap to tag the local bear population."
A trick or deceptive situation designed to catch someone unawares or induce them into making a mistake.
"The prosecutor's question was a clever trap designed to expose the defendant's lies."
A curved section of plumbing pipe designed to hold liquid and prevent sewer gases from entering a building.
"The plumber had to clear a blockage that was caught in the sink's trap."
• verb
To confine or prevent someone or something from escaping a place or a dangerous situation.
"Heavy snowfall trapped the climbers in their tents for three days."
To catch and hold an animal or person in a device or enclosed space.
"The survivalist learned how to trap small game in the wilderness."
To trick or deceive someone into saying or doing something they did not intend.
"The detective tried to trap the suspect into confessing his whereabouts."
• Rhymes for trap
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'treppe' (snare, trap), of Germanic origin. It is historically related to words meaning 'tread' or 'step', likely referring originally to a device that is activated by being stepped on.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.