Entrap

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈtræp/

Definitions of entrap

verb to catch or ensnare in a trap or a difficult situation

Example Sentences

A1 The spider tried to entrap the fly in its web.

A2 The detective set up a trap to entrap the thief.

B1 The company was accused of trying to entrap customers into signing unfair contracts.

B2 The undercover agent managed to entrap the criminal in a sting operation.

C1 The elaborate scheme was designed to entrap even the most cautious of investors.

C2 The lawyer used clever tactics to entrap the witness into contradicting their previous statement.

Examples of entrap in a Sentence

formal The police set up a sting operation to entrap the suspect.

informal I think someone is trying to entrap me into doing their work for them.

slang Don't let them entrap you into their drama.

figurative The web of lies began to entrap him, leading to his downfall.

Grammatical Forms of entrap

• past tense: entrapped
• plural: entraps
• comparative: more entrapping
• superlative: most entrapping
• present tense: entraps
• future tense: will entrap
• perfect tense: has entrapped
• continuous tense: is entrapping
• singular: entraps
• positive degree: entrap
• infinitive: entrap
• gerund: entrapping
• participle: entrapped

Origin and Evolution of entrap

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'entrap' originated from the Old French word 'entraper' which means to catch in a trap.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'entrap' has retained its original meaning of catching someone in a trap, but it has also been expanded to include the idea of deceiving or tricking someone into a difficult situation.