entrap

[ en-trap ]

verb (used with object)

entrapped, entrapping.

1. to catch in or as in a trap; ensnare:

   The hunters used nets to entrap the lion.

   Synonyms: trap, snare, capture

2. to bring unawares into difficulty or danger:

   He entrapped himself in the web of his own lies.

3. to lure into performing an act or making a statement that is compromising or illegal.
4. to draw into contradiction or damaging admission:

   The questioner entrapped her into an admission of guilt.

5. Law. to catch by entrapment.

entrap

/ ɪnˈtræp /

verb

1. to catch or snare in or as if in a trap
2. to lure or trick into danger, difficulty, or embarrassment

Derived Forms

• enˈtrapper, noun

Other Word Forms

• en·trapper noun
• en·trapping·ly adverb
• unen·trapped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of entrap¹

From the Middle French word entraper, dating back to 1525–35. See en- ¹, trap ¹

Example Sentences

"It's very, very concerning when you have such a volume of people entering an area and could end up being entrapped by a wildfire," Mr McMullen said.

From BBC

Dylan O’Brien received a special jury award for acting in “Twinless,” while “Plainclothes,” a drama about an undercover officer assigned to entrap gay men in the 1990s, was honored for ensemble cast.

From Los Angeles Times

The case is a grim reminder of the thriving criminal businesses that still entrap hundreds of thousands of people, forcing them in to cybercrime.

From BBC

As we had just witnessed for an hour and a half, the women were in cages because they had been systematically entrapped, terrified, threatened and attacked.

From Los Angeles Times

She told the documentary-makers how McCartney entrapped her when she was 12 and at a vulnerable point in her life.

From BBC

Related Words

• enmesh
• ensnare
• entangle
• entice
• implicate
• seduce