Definition of trap
(Entry 1 of 4)
1
: a device for taking game or other animals
especially
: one that holds by springing shut suddenly
2a
: something by which one is caught or stopped unawares
also
: a position or situation from which it is difficult or impossible to escape
b
: a football play in which a defensive player is allowed to cross the line of scrimmage and then is blocked from the side while the ballcarrier advances through the spot vacated by the defensive player
c
: the act or an instance of trapping the ball in soccer
d
: a defensive maneuver in basketball in which two defenders converge quickly on the ball handler to steal the ball or force a bad pass
3a
: a device for hurling clay pigeons into the air
b
: sand trap
c
: a piece of leather or section of interwoven leather straps between the thumb and index finger of a baseball glove that forms an extension of the pocket
5
: a light usually one-horse carriage with springs
6
: any of various devices for preventing passage of something often while allowing other matter to proceed
especially
: a device for drains or sewers consisting of a bend or partitioned chamber in which the liquid forms a seal to prevent the passage of sewer gas
7
traps plural
: a group of percussion instruments (such as a bass drum, snare drums, and cymbals) used especially in a dance or jazz band
8
: an arrangement of rock strata that favors the accumulation of oil and gas
9
traps plural
[speed trap]
: a measured stretch of a course over which electronic timing devices measure the speed of a vehicle (such as a racing car or dragster)
trap
verb (1)
trapped; trapping
Definition of trap (Entry 2 of 4)
1a
: 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
b
: to separate out (something, such as water from steam)
4a
: to catch (something, such 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
1
: to engage in trapping animals (as for furs)
2
: to make a defensive trap in basketball
trap
verb (2)
trapped; trapping
Definition of trap (Entry 3 of 4)
: to adorn with or as if with trappings
trap
noun (2)Definition of trap (Entry 4 of 4)
: traprock
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share trap
Time Traveler for trap
The first known use of trap was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century