trap


2trap

verb
trappedtrap·ping

Definition of TRAP

transitive verb
1
a : to catch or take in or as if in a trap : entrap b : to place in a restricted position : confine <trapped in the burning wreck>
2
: to provide or set (a place) with traps
3
a : stop, hold <these mountains trap rains and fogs generated over the ocean — American Guide Series: California> b : to separate out (as water from steam)
4
a : to catch (as a baseball) immediately after a bounce b : to block out (a defensive football player) by means of a trap c : to stop and gain control of (a soccer ball) with a part of the body other than the hands or arms
intransitive verb
1
: to engage in trapping animals (as for furs)
2
: to make a defensive trap in basketball
trap·per noun

First Known Use of TRAP

14th century

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: Trapa
Previous Word in the Dictionary: Tranzschelia
All Words Near: trap

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up trap? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Test Your Vocabulary

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Name That Thing

Take our visual vocab quiz

Test Your Knowledge »

True or False?

A quick quiz about stuff worth knowing

Take It Now »

Join Us on FB & Twitter

Get the Word of the Day and More

Facebook | Twitter

Get Our Free Apps

Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More

iPhone | iPad | Android | More