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

Pertaining to these battlefield tactics, the Aztec war machine focused on the entrapment of their enemies, as opposed to choosing preferential areas for conducting their military actions.

From Realm of History

A letter from him warning about the risk of entrapment is published on the company’s website.

From Washington Post

A Washington Post investigation last year reported that the elevator industry had known for decades about the entrapment problem — along with a simple fix, a $100 to $200 space guard to fill the door gap.

From Washington Post

Kelly fought his case on the grounds of entrapment but ultimately lost.

From The Daily Beast

He did not want to make them suspicious or open himself up to accusations of entrapment later on.

From The Daily Beast

During a recent interview with miner Samuel Avalos, it was clear the reminders of the entrapment were never far away.

From The Daily Beast

He estimated that roughly one third of the men were experiencing extremely complicated symptoms as a result of their entrapment.

From The Daily Beast

During the first 17 days of entrapment, with no contact to the outside world, the men built a unique underground society.

From The Daily Beast

The class looked at the master, as if appealing from the irregular entrapment of this mode of examination.

From Project Gutenberg

Beneath the fur robe she was soft and white, and the subtle scent of her hair seemed a deeper entrapment than any.

From Project Gutenberg

With the concurrence of the police authorities, very little was said publicly respecting my entrapment.

From Project Gutenberg

Somewhere among the fungi of the cliffside the huge spider who had built this web awaited the entrapment of prey.

From Project Gutenberg

His entrapment by the detestable Cora is so painful that perhaps I was glad to think it also slightly incredible.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• imbroglio
• liaison