Definition Definition

trap - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'trap' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Trap [ a.]
- Of or pertaining to trap rock; as, a trap dike.
2 . Trap [ n.]
- An old term rather loosely used to designate various dark-colored, heavy igneous rocks, including especially the feldspathic-augitic rocks, basalt, dolerite, amygdaloid, etc., but including also some kinds of diorite. Called also trap rock.
- A machine or contrivance that shuts suddenly, as with a spring, used for taking game or other animals; as, a trap for foxes.
- Fig.: A snare; an ambush; a stratagem; any device by which one may be caught unawares.
- A wooden instrument shaped somewhat like a shoe, used in the game of trapball. It consists of a pivoted arm on one end of which is placed the ball to be thrown into the air by striking the other end. Also, a machine for throwing into the air glass balls, clay pigeons, etc., to be shot at.
- The game of trapball.
- A bend, sag, or partitioned chamber, in a drain, soil pipe, sewer, etc., arranged so that the liquid contents form a seal which prevents passage of air or gas, but permits the flow of liquids.
- A place in a water pipe, pump, etc., where air accumulates for want of an outlet.
- A wagon, or other vehicle.
- A kind of movable stepladder.
3 . Trap [ v. i.]
- To set traps for game; to make a business of trapping game; as, to trap for beaver.
4 . Trap [ v. t.]
- To dress with ornaments; to adorn; -- said especially of horses.
- To catch in a trap or traps; as, to trap foxes.
- Fig.: To insnare; to take by stratagem; to entrap.
- To provide with a trap; as, to trap a drain; to trap a sewer pipe. See 4th Trap, 5.

Meaning of 'trap' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . trap [ n]
Meaning (1):
- something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares
Example in sentence:
  • it was all a snare and delusion;
  • the exam was full of trap questions
2 . trap [ v]
Meaning (2):
- place in a confining or embarrassing position
Example in sentence:
  • He was trapped in a difficult situation
Meaning (3):
- to hold fast or prevent from moving
Example in sentence:
  • The child was pinned under the fallen tree
Meaning (4):
- hold or catch as if in a trap
Example in sentence:
  • The gaps between the teeth trap food particles
Meaning (5):
- catch in or as if in a trap
Example in sentence:
  • The men trap foxes