mousetrap

[ mous-trap ]

noun

1. a trap for mice, especially one consisting of a rectangular wooden base on which a metal spring is mounted.
2. a device, machine, or the like whose structure or function suggests a trap for mice.
3. a device, system, or stratagem for detecting and catching someone in an unauthorized or illegal act.
4. Football. trap ¹( def 12 ).

verb (used with object)

, mouse·trapped, mouse·trap·ping.

1. Informal.
   1. to trap or snare:

      traffic cops mousetrapping drunken drivers.

   2. to manipulate by devious or clever means; trick or outwit:

      to mousetrap the witness into a contradiction.

2. Football. trap ¹( def 24 ).

mousetrap

/ ˈmaʊsˌtræp /

noun

1. any trap for catching mice, esp one with a spring-loaded metal bar that is released by the taking of the bait
2. informal.
   cheese of indifferent quality

Word History and Origins

Origin of mousetrap¹

First recorded in 1400–50, mousetrap is from late Middle English mous trappe. See mouse, trap ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. build a better mousetrap, to make or offer a superior product.

Example Sentences

It opened behind the big black iron stove, just to the left of the mousetrap.

From Literature

To capture fentanyl with an electrochemical sensor, researchers used a molecular cagelike structure they compared to a mousetrap.

From Science Daily

“We want to build the best mousetrap,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Suddenly I was on the floor, and the mousetrap was on my big toe.

From Literature

But they did have a crucial insight into how to build a better mousetrap.

From Salon

Related Words

• danger
• difficulty
• drawback
• peril
• risk
• snag