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

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

"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

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

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