verb (used with object), en·trapped, en·trap·ping.
- to catch in or as in a trap; ensnare: The hunters used nets to entrap the lion.
- to bring unawares into difficulty or danger: He entrapped himself in the web of his own lies.
- to lure into performing an act or making a statement that is compromising or illegal.
- to draw into contradiction or damaging admission: The questioner entrapped her into an admission of guilt.
- Law. to catch by entrapment.
verb -traps, -trapping or -trapped (tr)
- to catch or snare in or as if in a trap
- to lure or trick into danger, difficulty, or embarrassment
1530s, intrappe, from Old French entraper “trap, catch in a trap;” see en- (1) + trap (v.). Related: Entrapped; entrapping.