[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/trap/)

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# trap

noun (a trap, traps); verb (trap, traps, trapped, trapping)

«trap» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. A trap is a device for catching animals, such as a mousetrap. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/#m1)
2. A trap is a clever plan to catch or trick someone. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/#m2)
3. To trap someone or something is to catch it or keep it somewhere it cannot get out of. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/#m3)
4. A trap in a question or puzzle is a part that tricks you into a wrong answer. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/#m4)

### In the lessons

In stories a trap builds tension: someone may be caught, or a clever hero escapes. In safety lessons people can be trapped by fire, water or a locked space, so you learn exits and to call for help. In maths, a "trap question" hides a detail that changes the answer. Phrases: set a trap, fall into a trap, be trapped, a speed trap, trap heat.

### Examples

- The farmer set a trap for the rat in the barn. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/#x1)
- The cat was trapped in the shed all night. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/#x2)
- Don't fall into the trap of rushing the last question. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/#x3)
- The firefighters rescued a family trapped on the top floor. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/#x4)
- A greenhouse traps heat from the sun. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/#x5)
- That riddle has a trap: read it twice. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/#x6)
- The police set a trap to catch the thief. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/#x7)
- Then he laid traps for the wicked animal. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/#x8)

### Note

Past form trapped, with double p. "Trapped" can mean caught by something (trapped under a branch) or unable to leave (trapped in a lift). Never try to free a wild animal from a trap yourself; tell an adult. In maths a trap usually means an extra or misleading number you should not use.

## In Jewish tradition

A snare for catching animals. It stands for the dangers and punishments that catch the wicked, or sometimes the righteous.

**Interpretation.** The writers use traps to show that evil deeds may catch the doer. Tradition reads the "terror, pit and trap" as a warning of judgment.

### Examples

- Terror, and the pit, and the trap, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth. (Prophets ISA.24.17, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/trap/#x1)
- A noose is hid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way. (Writings JOB.18.10, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/trap/#x2)
- Terror, and the pit, and the trap, are upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD. (Prophets JER.48.43, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/trap/#x3)

### Note

Past form trapped, with double p. "Trapped" can mean caught by something (trapped under a branch) or unable to leave (trapped in a lift). Never try to free a wild animal from a trap yourself; tell an adult. In maths a trap usually means an extra or misleading number you should not use.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «trap» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/trap/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«trap» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/trap.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «trap» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/T/trap/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«trap» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/trap.html) on Mova free.