entrapment

[ en-trap-muhnt ]

noun

1. Law. the luring by a law-enforcement agent of a person into committing a crime:

   Defense lawyers in cases involving sting operations often accuse the F.B.I. of entrapment.

2. an act or process of entrapping:

   Depth filters consist of pressed fibers, which use entrapment to remove suspended particles and prevent clogging.

3. a state of being entrapped:

   nerve entrapment;

   sea turtle entrapment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of entrapment¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; entrap + -ment

Example Sentences

Bob Fu, founder and president of China Aid, argued that Lin’s conviction was a case of entrapment by the Chinese government.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s all about enchantment and entrapment,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times

And some of them were entrapment, I would say.

From Salon

Even if the jury decided he had, it was a case of entrapment.

From Los Angeles Times

“This poses a serious entrapment hazard and risk of death by asphyxiation,” the agency said in a statement.

From New York Times

Related Words

• imbroglio
• liaison