trap

Everyday

1. A trap is a device for catching animals, such as a mousetrap. tree →
2. A trap is a clever plan to catch or trick someone. tree →
3. To trap someone or something is to catch it or keep it somewhere it cannot get out of. tree →
4. A trap in a question or puzzle is a part that tricks you into a wrong answer. tree →

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 →
• The cat was trapped in the shed all night. tree →
• Don't fall into the trap of rushing the last question. tree →
• The firefighters rescued a family trapped on the top floor. tree →
• A greenhouse traps heat from the sun. tree →
• That riddle has a trap: read it twice. tree →
• The police set a trap to catch the thief. tree →
• Then he laid traps for the wicked animal. tree →

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 →
• A noose is hid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way. (Writings JOB.18.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Terror, and the pit, and the trap, are upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD. (Prophets JER.48.43, JPS 1917) tree →

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.