trap
1[ trap ]
/ træp /
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Definition of trap
noun
verb (used with object), trapped, trap·ping.
verb (used without object), trapped, trap·ping.
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Origin of trap
1First recorded before 1000; Middle English trappe (noun), trappen (verb), Old English træppe (noun), cognate with Middle Dutch trappe (Dutch trap ) “trap, step, staircase”; akin to Old English treppan “to tread,” German Treppe “staircase”
synonym study for trap
1, 2. Trap , pitfall , snare apply to literal or figurative contrivances for deceiving and catching animals or people. Literally, a trap is a mechanical contrivance for catching animals, the main feature usually being a spring: a trap baited with cheese for mice. Figuratively, trap suggests the scheme of one person to take another by surprise and thereby gain an advantage: a trap for the unwary. A pitfall is (usually) a concealed pit arranged for the capture of large animals or of people who may fall into it; figuratively, it is any concealed danger, error, or source of disaster: to avoid the pitfalls of life. A snare is a device for entangling birds, rabbits, etc., with intent to capture; figuratively, it implies enticement and inveiglement: the snare of selfishness.
OTHER WORDS FROM trap
trap·like, adjectiveOther definitions for trap (2 of 4)
trap2
[ trap ]
/ træp /
noun
traps, Informal. personal belongings; baggage.
verb (used with object), trapped, trap·ping.
Origin of trap
2First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English trappe (noun), trappen (verb); of unknown origin
Other definitions for trap (3 of 4)
trap3
[ trap ]
/ træp /
noun Geology.
any of various fine-grained, dark-colored igneous rocks having a more or less columnar structure, especially some form of basalt.
Also called traprock.
Origin of trap
3First recorded in 1785–95; from Swedish trapp, variant of trappa “stair” (so named from the stepped appearance of their outcrops), from Middle Low German trappe; see trap1
Other definitions for trap (4 of 4)
trap4
[ trap ]
/ træp /
noun Scot.
a ladder or ladderlike device used to reach a loft, attic, etc.
Origin of trap
4First recorded in 1750–60; from Dutch: “stepladder”; see trap1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use trap in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for trap (1 of 3)
trap1
/ (træp) /
noun
verb traps, trapping or trapped
Derived forms of trap
traplike, adjectiveWord Origin for trap
Old English træppe; related to Middle Low German trappe, Medieval Latin trappa
British Dictionary definitions for trap (2 of 3)
trap2
/ (træp) /
noun
an obsolete word for trappings (def. 2)
verb traps, trapping or trapped
(tr often foll by out) to dress or adorn
See also traps
Word Origin for trap
C11: probably from Old French drap cloth
British Dictionary definitions for trap (3 of 3)
trap3
traprock
/ (træp) /
noun
any fine-grained often columnar dark igneous rock, esp basalt
any rock in which oil or gas has accumulated
Word Origin for trap
C18: from Swedish trappa stair (from its steplike formation); see trap 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Other Idioms and Phrases with trap
trap
see fall into a trap; mind like a steel trap.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.