trap

1
[ trap ]
/ træp /

noun

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

verb (used without object), trapped, trap·ping.

Origin of trap

1
before 1000; Middle English trappe (noun), trappen (v.), Old English træppe (noun), cognate with Middle Dutch trappe (Dutch trap) trap, step, staircase; akin to Old English treppan to tread, German Treppe staircase

SYNONYMS FOR trap

1, 2 T rap , pitfall , snare apply to literal or figurative contrivances for deceiving and catching animals or people. Literally, a trap is a mechanical contrivance for catching animals, the main feature usually being a spring: a trap baited with cheese for mice. Figuratively, trap suggests the scheme of one person to take another by surprise and thereby gain an advantage: a trap for the unwary. A pitfall is (usually) a concealed pit arranged for the capture of large animals or of people who may fall into it; figuratively, it is any concealed danger, error, or source of disaster: to avoid the pitfalls of life. A snare is a device for entangling birds, rabbits, etc., with intent to capture; figuratively, it implies enticement and inveiglement: the temptress' snare.

OTHER WORDS FROM trap

trap·like, adjective

Definition for traps (2 of 4)

trap 2
[ trap ]
/ træp /

noun

traps, Informal. personal belongings; baggage.

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

to furnish with or as with trappings; caparison.

Origin of trap

2
1300–50; Middle English trappe (noun), trappen (v.) < ?

Definition for traps (3 of 4)

trap 3
[ trap ]
/ træp /

noun Geology.

any of various fine-grained, dark-colored igneous rocks having a more or less columnar structure, especially some form of basalt.
Also called traprock.

Origin of trap

3
1785–95; < Swedish trapp, variant of trappa stair (so named from the stepped appearance of their outcrops) < Middle Low German trappe. See trap1

Definition for traps (4 of 4)

trap 4
[ trap ]
/ træp /

noun Scot.

a ladder or ladderlike device used to reach a loft, attic, etc.

Origin of trap

4
1750–60; < Dutch: stepladder; see trap1

Example sentences from the Web for traps

British Dictionary definitions for traps (1 of 4)

traps
/ (træps) /

pl n

belongings; luggage

Word Origin for traps

C19: probably shortened from trappings

British Dictionary definitions for traps (2 of 4)

trap 1
/ (træp) /

noun

verb traps, trapping or trapped

Derived forms of trap

traplike, adjective

Word Origin for trap

Old English træppe; related to Middle Low German trappe, Medieval Latin trappa

British Dictionary definitions for traps (3 of 4)

trap 2
/ (træp) /

noun

an obsolete word for trappings (def. 2)

verb traps, trapping or trapped

(tr often foll by out) to dress or adorn
See also traps

Word Origin for trap

C11: probably from Old French drap cloth

British Dictionary definitions for traps (4 of 4)

trap 3

traprock

/ (træp) /

noun

any fine-grained often columnar dark igneous rock, esp basalt
any rock in which oil or gas has accumulated

Word Origin for trap

C18: from Swedish trappa stair (from its steplike formation); see trap 1

Idioms and Phrases with traps

trap

see fall into a trap; mind like a steel trap.