a device or enclosure designed to catch and retain animals, typically by allowing entry but not exit or by catching hold of a part of the body, a situation in which people lie in wait to make a surprise attack, a trick by which someone is misled into acting contrary to their interests or intentions

in the trap, trap door, trap shooting

spring a trap, lay a trap, escape the trap

Formal and Informal Expressions of trap

In different contexts, you can replace 'trap' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'snare, net' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'trick, set-up' is a commonplace synonym.

trap: Explore its Definition & Usage

trap Definition

1a device or enclosure designed to catch and retain animals, typically by allowing entry but not exit or by catching hold of a part of the body
2a situation in which people lie in wait to make a surprise attack
3a trick by which someone is misled into acting contrary to their interests or intentions

Using trap: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "trap" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The rabbit got caught in the trap.
Example
The police set a trap for the burglars.
Example
Don't fall into the trap of believing everything you hear.
Example
She felt trapped in her job.

trap Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for trap

Idioms Using trap

in the trap
in a difficult or dangerous situation
Example
The company was in the trap of declining sales and rising costs.
trap door
a hinged or removable panel in a floor, ceiling, or roof, used as an entrance or exit
Example
The thief entered the house through a trap door in the roof.
trap shooting
a sport in which participants shoot at clay pigeons thrown into the air from a trap
Example
He won a gold medal in trap shooting at the Olympics.

Phrases with trap

spring a trap
to trigger a trap
Example
The mouse sprang the trap and was caught.
lay a trap
to set up a trap
Example
The hunters laid a trap for the wild boar.
escape the trap
to avoid being caught or tricked
Example
He managed to escape the trap set by his enemies.

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Summary: trap in Brief

The term 'trap' [trap] refers to a device or situation designed to catch or trick someone or something. It can be a physical device like a snare or net, or a metaphorical one like a trick or ambush. Examples include 'The rabbit got caught in the trap,' and 'Don't fall into the trap of believing everything you hear.' Phrases like 'spring a trap' and idioms like 'in the trap' add nuance to the term.