verb
entrap
ihn-TRAP
Entrap (verb) means to catch someone or something in a trap. Example: “The net was designed to entrap fish without harming them.”
verb
1
To catch someone or something in a trap.
"The net was designed to entrap fish without harming them."
2
To trick someone into doing something wrong, especially so they can be caught or blamed.
"The undercover officer was accused of trying to entrap the suspect."
How to use entrap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo trap someone, either literally or by tricking them into a bad situation.
Common pairings
entrap someone into
accused of entrapping
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- entraps
- Past tense
- entrapped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The net was designed to _____ fish without harming them.
Etymology
From Old French entraper, built from "en-" plus "trap."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “entrap” mean?
The word “entrap” means to catch someone or something in a trap. In plain terms, to trap someone, either literally or by tricking them into a bad situation.
How do you pronounce “entrap”?
“Entrap” is pronounced ihn-TRAP (/ɪnˈtɹæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “entrap” in a sentence?
Here is “entrap” used in a sentence: “The net was designed to entrap fish without harming them.”
What is another word for “entrap”?
Words with a similar meaning to “entrap” include betrap and ensnare.
What part of speech is “entrap”?
“Entrap” is a verb.
Where does the word “entrap” come from?
The word “entrap” comes from Old French. From Old French entraper, built from "en-" plus "trap.".
How many meanings does “entrap” have?
“Entrap” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to catch someone or something in a trap.
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