entrap
[en-trap]
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.
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.
Origin of entrap
Synonyms for entrap
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for entrap
entangle, seduce, ensnare, enmesh, entice, implicate, decoy, lure, hook, embroil, inveigle, trick, bag, beguile, allure, trap, tempt, catch, snare, netExamples from the Web for entrap
Contemporary Examples of entrap
The “Sunday Mirror” says it was in the ‘public interest’ to entrap a Conservative MP in an elaborate sex sting.
U.K. Tabloid Absurdly Claims ‘Public Interest’ Served in Politician’s Sex StingLizzie Crocker
September 30, 2014
Historical Examples of entrap
She has been trying for a long time to entrap him, and you are helping her.
I was no stranger to the arts by which he thought to entrap myself.
Sir Jasper CarewCharles James Lever
I've got some fifty Naps by me—tame elephants—that are sure to entrap others.
A Rent In A CloudCharles James Lever
I am anxious to see the plan to entrap Chase at once set in operation.
The Expressman and the DetectiveAllan Pinkerton
Of all the devices to entrap Augusta, this well-meant trick was the most enticing.
History of the Moravian ChurchJ. E. Hutton
entrap
verb -traps, -trapping or -trapped (tr)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper