mousetrap

[ mous-trap ]
/ ˈmaʊsˌtræp /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR mousetrap ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a trap for mice, especially one consisting of a rectangular wooden base on which a metal spring is mounted.
a device, machine, or the like whose structure or function suggests a trap for mice.
a device, system, or stratagem for detecting and catching someone in an unauthorized or illegal act.
Football. trap1(def 11).

verb (used with object), mouse·trapped, mouse·trap·ping.

Informal.
  1. to trap or snare: traffic cops mousetrapping drunken drivers.
  2. to manipulate by devious or clever means; trick or outwit: to mousetrap the witness into a contradiction.
Football. trap1(def 20).

Idioms for mousetrap

    build a better mousetrap, to make or offer a superior product.

Origin of mousetrap

First recorded in 1400–50, mousetrap is from the late Middle English word mous trappe. See mouse, trap1

Words nearby mousetrap

mousemat, mouseover, mousepox, mouser, mousetail, mousetrap, mousey, mousing, mousquetaire, moussaka, mousse

Words related to mousetrap

peril, risk, danger, snag, difficulty, drawback, come-on, bait, inducement, sweetener, tickle, fascinate, excite, captivate, please, delight, pique, entertain, charm, titillate

Example sentences from the Web for mousetrap

British Dictionary definitions for mousetrap

mousetrap
/ (ˈmaʊsˌtræp) /

noun

any trap for catching mice, esp one with a spring-loaded metal bar that is released by the taking of the bait
British informal cheese of indifferent quality