entrap

verb en·trap \in-ˈtrap, en-\

: to catch (someone or something) in a trap or in something like a trap

Full Definition of ENTRAP

transitive verb

: to catch in or as if in a trap

: to lure into a compromising statement or act

See entrap defined for English-language learners

See entrap defined for kids

Origin of ENTRAP

Middle French entraper, from en- + trape trap

First Known Use: 1534

Related to ENTRAP

Synonyms: catch up, enmesh (also immesh), ensnare, ensnarl, entoil, entangle, mesh, net, snare, tangle, trap

Antonyms: disentangle, untangle

Synonym Discussion of ENTRAP

catch, capture, trap, snare, entrap, ensnare, bag mean to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing. catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding <caught the dog as it ran by>. capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty <capture an enemy stronghold>. trap, snare, entrap, ensnare imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor. trap and snare apply more commonly to physical seizing <trap animals> <snared butterflies with a net>. entrap and ensnare more often are figurative <entrapped the witness with a trick question> <a sting operation that ensnared burglars>. bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey <bagged a brace of pheasants>.