mousetrap

[ mous-trap ]

noun

1. a trap for mice, especially one consisting of a rectangular wooden base on which a metal spring is mounted.
2. a device, machine, or the like whose structure or function suggests a trap for mice.
3. a device, system, or stratagem for detecting and catching someone in an unauthorized or illegal act.
4. Football. trap ¹( def 12 ).

verb (used with object)

, mouse·trapped, mouse·trap·ping.

1. Informal.
   1. to trap or snare:

      traffic cops mousetrapping drunken drivers.

   2. to manipulate by devious or clever means; trick or outwit:

      to mousetrap the witness into a contradiction.

2. Football. trap ¹( def 24 ).

mousetrap

/ ˈmaʊsˌtræp /

noun

1. any trap for catching mice, esp one with a spring-loaded metal bar that is released by the taking of the bait
2. informal.
   cheese of indifferent quality

Word History and Origins

Origin of mousetrap¹

First recorded in 1400–50, mousetrap is from late Middle English mous trappe. See mouse, trap ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. build a better mousetrap, to make or offer a superior product.

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, 3D imagery across various screens is sharp, and superfans will appreciate experiencing new material from the Ratatouille world, as Linguini ushers you into a hidey hole or Skinner’s finger gets caught in a mousetrap.

From Eater

Even in this new world, it is not illegal to become hugely successful by building the proverbial better mousetrap.

From MIT Technology Review

It was a “mousetrap,” he said, for the women who were already getting blowouts daily because of the speed and environment.

From The Daily Beast

ACME has a mousetrap division that is not performing very well.

From The Daily Beast

“And yet here I die in a mousetrap—with no more noise about it than my own squeaking,” answered he.

From Project Gutenberg

The players enter and plan with Hamlet the performance of The Mousetrap.

From Project Gutenberg

It's probably not much more than a better mousetrap, but you want to believe it is, don't you?

From Project Gutenberg

It is another to say (in the face of ocular experience) that the mousetrap runs after the mouse.

From Project Gutenberg

"And yet here I die in a mousetrap—with no more noise about it than my own squeaking," answered he.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• danger
• difficulty
• drawback
• peril
• risk
• snag