entrap

[ en-trap ]

verb (used with object)

, en·trapped, en·trap·ping.

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 Words From

• 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

"Getting rid of no-fault divorce will entrap women in domestic abuse situations, essentially making them prisoners," Polacko said in a phone interview.

From Salon

This time around, the networks are actively leaning into the chartthrobs phenomenon in an attempt to attract, or perhaps entrap, audiences: MSNBC’s “Kornacki Cam” will form a dedicated election night livestream on Peacock as part of the platform’s Olympics-inspired “multiview” programming, while John King’s “magic wall” will be available to users of CNN’s news app.

From Los Angeles Times

McCartney made and used many fake accounts on online platforms, mainly Snapchat, to entrap and manipulate them.

From BBC

England’s drops were poor, but Woakes expertly exploited the swing to entrap Mathews.

From BBC

A man takes his daughter to a pop concert, only to discover when he arrives that the whole thing is a sting operation set up by the FBI to try and entrap a dangerous criminal.

From BBC

Related Words

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