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