entrapment

American  

[en-trap-muhnt] / ɛnˈtræp mənt /

noun

1. Law. the luring by a law-enforcement agent of a person into committing a crime.

   Defense lawyers in cases involving sting operations often accuse the F.B.I. of entrapment.

2. an act or process of entrapping.

   Depth filters consist of pressed fibers, which use entrapment to remove suspended particles and prevent clogging.

3. a state of being entrapped.

   nerve entrapment;

   sea turtle entrapment.

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entrapment British  

/ ɪnˈtræpmənt /

noun

1. the luring, by a police officer, of a person into committing a crime so that he may be prosecuted for it

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Etymology

Origin of entrapment

First recorded in 1590–1600; entrap + -ment

Example Sentences

In 1999, Judge Stephen Robbins told Alford that although entrapment had played a significant part in the sting, he "willingly went along with the idea".

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Themes of entrapment, unrequited love and loss penetrate the screen, with Lachman conveying the narrative through a bespoke aesthetic captured on different celluloid formats.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2024

An extreme yet common consequence of this financial entrapment is hysterectomies.

From New York Times • Mar. 24, 2024

The owl needed treatment for soft tissue injuries incurred to its wing during its entrapment, the center explained in a subsequent post on X.

From Washington Times • Oct. 24, 2023

A troop of baboons ran with arched tails flying as they zigzagged, not yet understanding their entrapment.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Related Words

• imbroglio
• liaison