adj
Common
trapped
Trapped (adj) means Caught in a trap or unable to escape a place or situation. Example: “A frightened bird was trapped inside the greenhouse all afternoon.”
adj
1
Caught in a trap or unable to escape a place or situation.
"A frightened bird was trapped inside the greenhouse all afternoon."
"Firefighters freed the driver who was trapped in the damaged car."
"Hikers were trapped by the sudden snowstorm."
2
Stuck in an unwanted situation with no clear way out.
"Many students feel trapped by debt and see no way forward."
"He felt trapped in an argument he could neither win nor leave."
"She felt trapped in a job that no longer challenged her."
How to use trapped
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUnable to escape, whether literally caught somewhere or figuratively stuck in a difficult situation.
Common pairings
feel trapped
trapped inside
trapped in a cycle
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more trapped
- Superlative
- most trapped
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A frightened bird was _____ inside the greenhouse all afternoon.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for trapped
tapped
mapped
capped
lapped
wrapped
clapped
chapped
strapped
untapped
kidnapped
unwrapped
handicapped
See all rhymes for trapped →
Frequently asked questions
What does “trapped” mean?
The word “trapped” means caught in a trap or unable to escape a place or situation. In plain terms, unable to escape, whether literally caught somewhere or figuratively stuck in a difficult situation.
How do you use “trapped” in a sentence?
Here is “trapped” used in a sentence: “Hikers were trapped by the sudden snowstorm.”
What part of speech is “trapped”?
“Trapped” is an adjective.
Is “trapped” a common word?
“Trapped” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “trapped” have?
“Trapped” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: caught in a trap or unable to escape a place or situation.
What is the difference between "trapped" and "stuck"?
"Trapped" stresses being caught with no way to escape, often carrying a sense of danger or helplessness, as in trapped in a collapsed building. "Stuck" is broader and milder, covering anything from being physically unable to move to being unable to make progress, and it does not always imply real danger.
When should you use "trapped" instead of "confined"?
Use "trapped" when someone is caught and unable to escape, often suddenly or against their will, including feeling trapped in an unwanted situation. Use "confined" when someone is kept within limits or boundaries, which can be deliberate and controlled, such as confined to a room, without the same sense of being caught.
Can "trapped" describe emotions and not just physical situations?
Yes. Beyond being physically caught, "trapped" describes being stuck in an unwanted situation with no clear way out, such as feeling trapped in a job or a relationship. In this figurative use it expresses a sense of helplessness rather than a literal enclosure.
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