Thesaurus

trap

Q: How does the verb 'trap' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of trap are bag , capture , catch , ensnare , entrap , and snare . While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," trap , snare , entrap , ensnare imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor. trap and snare apply more commonly to physical seizing. // trap animals // snared butterflies with a net

Q: When could 'bag' be used to replace 'trap'?

The words bag and trap can be used in similar contexts, but bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey. // bagged a brace of pheasants

Q: When is it sensible to use 'capture' instead of 'trap'?

While in some cases nearly identical to trap , capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty. // capture an enemy stronghold

Q: When might 'catch' be a better fit than 'trap'?

In some situations, the words catch and trap are roughly equivalent. However, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding. // caught the dog as it ran by

Q: How do 'entrap' and 'ensnare' relate to one another, in the sense of 'trap'?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative. // entrapped the witness with a trick question // a sting operation that ensnared burglars

noun

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Synonyms of trap

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 a device or scheme for capturing another by surprise

undercover agents devised a trap to catch the counterfeiters

a bear trap

Synonyms for trap

Words Related to trap

2 a setup in which hidden attackers lie in wait

an overland route to the Far East that was once notorious for the many robbers who laid traps for unsuspecting wayfarers

Synonyms for trap

Words Related to trap

hunting,
stalking

3 something that catches and holds

the promotion is really just a trap to keep her from taking a new job elsewhere

Synonyms for trap

Words Related to trap

cobweb,
spiderweb

4 slang the opening through which food passes into the body of an animal

shut your trap before someone belts you one!

Synonyms for trap

chops,
gob
[chiefly British],
kisser
[slang],
mouth,
mug,
piehole
[slang],
yap
[slang]

Words Related to trap

countenance,
face,
puss
[slang],
visage

muzzle

gullet,
maw

trap

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of trap (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to catch or hold as if in a net

an ambitious young man who was now trapped in a series of shady business deals

Synonyms for trap

Words Related to trap

Near Antonyms for trap

Antonyms for trap

2 to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly

finally trapped the annoying fly in the palm of his hand

Synonyms for trap

bag,
capture,
catch,
collar,
cop
[slang],
corral,
get,
glom,
grab,
grapple,
hook,
land,
nab,
nail,
net,
nobble
[British slang],
rap,
seize,
snag,
snap (up),
snare,
snatch

Words Related to trap

bay,
corner

rend,
wrest

Phrases Synonymous with trap

take hold (of)

Near Antonyms for trap

Antonyms for trap

miss

Frequently Asked Questions About trap

How does the verb trap contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of trap are bag, capture, catch, ensnare, entrap, and snare. While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," trap, snare, entrap, ensnare imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor. trap and snare apply more commonly to physical seizing.

trap animals

snared butterflies with a net

When could bag be used to replace trap?

The words bag and trap can be used in similar contexts, but bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is it sensible to use capture instead of trap?

While in some cases nearly identical to trap, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

When might catch be a better fit than trap?

In some situations, the words catch and trap are roughly equivalent. However, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by