The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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trap

noun

/træp/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of trap

A device or mechanism designed to capture, restrain, or deceive something or someone.
"The hunter set a trap in the forest to catch wild game."

Detailed meaning of trap

It can take various forms, such as a physical contraption or an abstract concept. In its literal sense, a trap can be a tool used for hunting or controlling animals by catching them, often with the intent to prevent their escape. It can also denote a hidden or camouflaged device designed to ensnare unsuspecting individuals, potentially causing harm or hindering their progress. Metaphorically, a trap can represent a situation or circumstance that tricks or ensnares someone, often leading to negative consequences or a sense of entrapment. These traps can manifest in relationships, decision-making processes, or even mental states. The term "trap" captures the essence of a mechanism that entraps, captures, or deceives, both in the physical and metaphorical realms.

Example sentences containing trap

1. The detective discovered a hidden trapdoor leading to a secret room.
2. The spider spun an intricate web to ensnare its prey in a trap.
3. The mouse cautiously approached the cheese, unaware of the trap awaiting it.
4. She fell into the trap of believing everything she read on the internet.
5. The politician's words were a carefully laid trap to deceive the public.
6. The hikers stumbled upon a concealed trap that had been set by poachers.

History and etymology of trap

The noun 'trap' has a rich etymological history that traces back to the Old English word 'træppe,' which meant a snare or a contraption designed to catch or entrap animals. This term shares its origins with Old French 'trap,' which had similar connotations. Both the Old English and Old French words can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic word 'trappō' and the Proto-Indo-European root 'drab,' meaning 'to deceive' or 'to cheat.' Over time, the meaning of 'trap' extended beyond its initial association with catching animals to encompass devices or mechanisms designed to capture, restrain, or deceive something or someone. The etymology of 'trap' thus reflects its historical role as a tool for both practical and deceptive purposes, embodying the idea of luring or ensn

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Further usage examples of trap

1. The protagonist narrowly escaped from the villain's deadly trap.
2. The magician amazed the audience with his ability to escape from a seemingly impossible trap.
3. The company fell into a financial trap due to poor investment decisions.
4. The character in the video game needed to disarm a series of traps to progress.
5. The artist used a variety of materials to create an installation featuring a visually striking trap as its centerpiece.
6. The hunter set a clever trap to catch a fox.
7. She found herself in a web of lies, a mental trap.
8. A mousetrap in the kitchen caught a pesky rodent.
9. The detective uncovered the criminal's intricate trap.
10. The spider spun a silk trap to catch its prey.
11. Falling into debt can feel like a financial trap.
12. The escape artist deftly escaped from the locked trap.
13. The treasure chest turned out to be a booby trap.
14. Avoiding emotional traps can lead to healthier relationships.
15. The political debate felt like a verbal trap.
16. He stumbled into a pitfall trap in the forest.
17. The trap door led to a hidden underground passage.
18. The police set up a sting operation to catch the thief in a trap.
19. A well-laid plan can act as a strategic trap.
20. The curious raccoon got caught in a snare trap.
21. A well-timed joke can be a comedic trap.
22. Falling into a routine can be a mental trap.
23. The escape room challenge involved solving intricate traps.
24. The spy used a decoy to escape the enemy's trap.
25. The con artist was skilled at setting financial traps.