trap
UK: træp | US: træp
n. a device or enclosure designed to catch and retain animals or objects
n. a deceptive or dangerous situation
vt. to catch or ensnare someone or something
vt. to trick or deceive someone
The word "trap" originates from Old English træppe or treppe, meaning "snare" or "trap for animals." It is derived from Proto-Germanic trap-, which is related to the idea of stepping or stumbling into a hidden device. The concept evolved metaphorically to include deceptive situations or schemes designed to ensnare people. The simplicity of the word's structure reflects its ancient roots in hunting and warfare, where traps were fundamental tools.
The hunter set a trap to catch the fox.
She felt like she was walking into a trap when she entered the negotiation.
The police trapped the suspect in a dead-end alley.
His clever question was a trap to reveal the truth.
Be careful not to get trapped in a scam.