B2noun 1K

Trap

🇬🇧 UK /["/træp/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/træp/"]/

Meaning of Trap

a piece of equipment for catching animals

In simple words: A device or situation designed to catch or trick someone.

Trap in a sentence

• a fox with its leg in a trap
• A trap was laid, with fresh bait.
• She had **set a trap** for him and he had walked straight into it.
• the unemployment trap
• Some women see marriage as a trap.
• a pony and trap
• Shut your trap! *(= a rude way of telling somebody to be quiet)*
• to keep your trap shut *(= to not tell a secret)*
• Parents often fall into the trap of trying to do everything for their children.
• The movie avoids the trap of spending too much time explaining things.

How to use Trap

Used in both literal and figurative contexts. In informal speech, it can refer to being caught in a difficult situation. Avoid using in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

trap + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'trap' as a 'clap' - trapping something when it claps shut.

Related words

Collocations with Trap

• animal
• bear
• mouse
• be caught in
• get caught in
• free something from
• hidden
• obvious
• potential
• lay
• set
• set up
• hidden
• obvious
• potential
• lay
• set
• set up

Synonyms for Trap

• gob

Opposites of Trap

• free
• release
• liberate

Common mistakes with Trap

• Confused with 'snare' or 'catch', thinking they mean exactly the same.
• Using 'trap' without an object, e.g., 'I trap' instead of 'I trap animals'.
• Mistaking 'trap' as solely a physical object rather than a situation.

Frequently asked questions about Trap

What does Trap mean?

A device or situation designed to catch or trick someone.

What is the definition of Trap?

a piece of equipment for catching animals

How do you use Trap in a sentence?

a fox with its leg in a trap

Can you give another example of Trap?

A trap was laid, with fresh bait.

What are synonyms for Trap?

Common alternatives include gob.

What is the opposite of Trap?

Opposite meanings include free, release, liberate.

What words go with Trap?

It commonly pairs with animal, bear, mouse, be caught in, get caught in, free something from, hidden, obvious, potential, lay, set, set up, hidden, obvious, potential, lay, set, set up.

What are common mistakes when using Trap?

Confused with 'snare' or 'catch', thinking they mean exactly the same. Using 'trap' without an object, e.g., 'I trap' instead of 'I trap animals'. Mistaking 'trap' as solely a physical object rather than a situation.

How do you pronounce Trap?

US: /["/træp/"]/, UK: /["/træp/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Trap?

Used in both literal and figurative contexts. In informal speech, it can refer to being caught in a difficult situation. Avoid using in overly formal writing.

What CEFR level is Trap?

"Trap" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.