WordGarden.iotrap
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /trˈæp/
US
- /ˈtræp/
Meanings
Noun
a device for catching, holding, or killing something that enters it
a difficult or dangerous situation that is hard to escape
a style of hip-hop and electronic music with heavy bass and rapid hi-hats
More meaningsFewer meanings
an offensive slang term for a feminine-presenting person, especially in trans-targeting usage
Verb
to catch or confine so that escape is difficult or impossible
Beyond the definition
A trap is not always something made of metal with sharp jaws. It can be anything meant to catch someone or something by surprise, from a mousetrap in your kitchen to a clever plan that tricks a person, or even a question that leads you into saying something you regret. Think of it as a hidden danger waiting for someone who does not see it coming.
The word often suggests deception because a trap is usually not obvious. While a lion may chase its prey, a spider waits for its prey to be caught. You can also be "trapped" by circumstances, such as being stuck in a bad job or a hard personal situation. In stories, traps often stand for danger, pressure, or hard choices.
The word "trap" refers to anything designed to catch or hold someone or something, often by surprise. Many people first think of a physical device used for catching animals, like a bear trap or a mousetrap, but the meaning goes far beyond that literal sense.
A trap can also be a plan meant to deceive someone. A con artist might lay a trap for victims by luring them in with false promises. This use carries a strong sense of surprise: the person usually does not realize the danger until it is too late.
Beyond plans and devices, "trap" can describe any difficult or confining situation that is hard to escape. You might feel trapped in a dead-end job, a failing relationship, or even by your own fears and doubts. This meaning emphasizes being confined or restricted against your will.
Figuratively, "trap" can also refer to a dangerous place or feature in the environment. Quicksand can be a natural trap, and a dangerous mountain pass might be described as a trap for unwary travelers.
The word also works as a verb. To trap means to catch something in a device or to leave someone stuck in a difficult situation. For example, "He was trapped by his own lies."
So, whether it is a physical device, a deceptive plan, or a confining situation, a trap is anything that catches you by surprise and keeps you from getting free, whether physically, mentally, or in a figurative sense.
Examples
- 1
Animal capture
They set a trap to catch the fox.
- 2
Escape
The rabbit escaped from the trap before morning.
- 3
Emergency
Heavy smoke trapped the family upstairs.
- 4
Feeling stuck
I felt trapped in that small town.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Pressure trick
He tried to trap me into promising too much.
- Patterntrap someone into doing X
make someone do it by tricking or pressuring them
- 6
Bad habit
Don't fall into the trap of checking your phone every five minutes.
- Patternfall into the trap of + -ing
start doing something harmful or foolish without noticing
- 7
Interview question
The interview question was a trap, so she answered carefully.
- 8
Tourist places
The restaurant looks charming, but it's a tourist trap.
- Phrasetourist trap
a place for visitors that is overpriced or low quality
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- trapnounverb
Forms
- trappedpast tenseverbnoun
- trapspluralnounverb
- trapping-ing formverbnoun