trap
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for trap, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A device designed to catch or kill an animal.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use trap
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English træppe, "trap, snare," from a Germanic root meaning "to tread or stamp" — related to "step" and "tread."
Full origin of trap →Frequently asked questions
What does “trap” mean?
The word “trap” means a device designed to catch or kill an animal. In plain terms, a device or scheme meant to catch something or someone unaware.
How do you pronounce “trap”?
“Trap” is pronounced trap ([t̠ɹ̠̊˔æp] in IPA).
How do you use “trap” in a sentence?
Here is “trap” used in a sentence: “He set a trap by the stream to catch rabbits.”
What part of speech is “trap”?
Depending on how it is used, “trap” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “trap” come from?
The word “trap” comes from Old English. From Old English træppe, "trap, snare," from a Germanic root meaning "to tread or stamp" — related to "step" and "tread.".
Is “trap” a common word?
“Trap” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “trap” have?
“Trap” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device designed to catch or kill an animal.
What is the difference between a trap and a snare?
A trap is any device designed to catch or kill an animal, covering a wide range of mechanisms. A snare is a specific type of trap that uses a loop of wire or cord to catch an animal, usually by the neck or leg. So every snare is a trap, but a trap can also be a cage, pit, or spring device.
What is the difference between a trap and a trick?
As a scheme, a trap is designed to catch someone off guard, often exposing or capturing them once they act. A trick is a broader term for any clever act meant to deceive, entertain, or outsmart, and it does not always aim to catch the person. A trap is a kind of trick specifically set to spring on its victim.
What are common expressions using the word trap?
Common phrases include "fall into a trap," "set a trap," "lay a trap," "walk into a trap," and "a trap for the unwary." There is also the idiom "keep your trap shut," an informal way of telling someone to stay quiet, where trap slangily means the mouth.