honey trap

or hon·ey·trap

[ huhn-ee-trap ]

/ ˈhʌn iˌtræp /

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noun

an investigative technique that tests the fidelity of a spouse or significant other by attempting to lure him or her into a romantic or sexual liaison: The private eye used a classic honey trap to get evidence that her husband was cheating..

a scenario in espionage whereby an agent enters into a romantic or sexual relationship with a civilian and seeks to leverage that intimacy to coerce or blackmail the target or to discover secret information.

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Origin of honey trap

First recorded in 1970–75; popularized by John le Carré in his novel Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1974 )

Words nearby honey trap

honeysucker, honeysuckle, honeysuckle family, honeysuckle ornament, honey-sweet, honey trap, honey wagon, honeywort, hong, hongi, Hong Kong

How to use honey trap in a sentence

Ancient Romans exchanged gifts of figs and honey and would make sure to work part of the day as a good omen for the coming year.
New Year’s Eve, Babylon Style|Candida Moss|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But Reconcile is from a slightly different arm of Houston hip-hop—more focused on spiritual triumph over the trap.
Down With the King: Christianity Isn’t Hiding in Rap’s Closet|Stereo Williams|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Maybe our dear bear should sit quietly, not chase piglets and just eat berries and honey.
After His Disastrous Annual Press Conference, Putin Needs A Hug|Anna Nemtsova|December 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Do not fall into the trap of being swayed by political notion.
Is Pope Francis Backpedaling on Gays?|Jay Michaelson|November 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST

You now have a growing number of candidates and elected officials who can do that without having to fall into that trap.
The Republican Rainbow Coalition Is Real|Tim Mak|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He had thought what it would be like to be a rich man, and bring a certain girl here for a moon of honey and roses.
Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson
Sometimes the animal was caught in a trap which was nothing less than a hut of logs with a single entrance.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike
Thimbletoes doesn't fancy that, you know, because the Prime Minister has all the honey he wants, by way of a salary.
Davy and The Goblin|Charles E. Carryl
He shall eat butter and honey, that he may know to refuse the evil, and to choose the good.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
Haggard had disappeared with the celerity of a harlequin who jumps through a trap.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills

British Dictionary definitions for honey trap

honeytrap

/ (ˈhʌnɪˌtræp) /

noun

informal a scheme in which a victim is lured into a compromising sexual situation to provide an opportunity for blackmail

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012