View synonyms for entrap

entrap

[ en-trap ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

, en·trapped, en·trap·ping.

to catch in or as in a trap; ensnare:
The hunters used nets to entrap the lion.
Synonyms: trap, snare, capture
to bring unawares into difficulty or danger:
He entrapped himself in the web of his own lies.
to lure into performing an act or making a statement that is compromising or illegal.
to draw into contradiction or damaging admission:
The questioner entrapped her into an admission of guilt.
Law. to catch by entrapment.

entrap

/ ɪnˈtræp /

Origin of entrap¹

From the Middle French word entraper, dating back to 1525–35. See en- ¹, trap ¹

The “Sunday Mirror” says it was in the ‘public interest’ to entrap a Conservative MP in an elaborate sex sting.

“The feds entrap all the damn time and cover it up one way or the other,” Strickler says.

The lady has come from England on purpose to entrap you; she came last night, and she stays at the Hotel du Louvre.

He tried, in various ways, to entrap the boy, but Frank made no blunders.

Suppose I should unconsciously entrap some magnificent Yankee!

He knows a hundred ingenious tricks to entrap the most obdurate.

He could never have suggested to his own wife that another man had endeavoured to entrap her into a secret correspondence.

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