1trap 
/ˈtræp/ noun
plural traps /ˈtræp/ noun [count] 1 : a device that is used for catching animals
▪ They set traps to catch the mice. ▪ a bear/lobster trap ▪ She has a mind like a steel trap. [=she remembers everything] — see also mousetrap 2 a : something that is used or done to stop or capture someone (such as a criminal)
▪ The police are laying/setting a trap to catch him. ▪ The soldiers had walked/stumbled into a trap.
b : a situation in which someone is tricked into doing or saying something
▪ Credit card companies were accused of laying/setting traps for consumers. [=tricking consumers] — see also speed trap
c : a bad position or situation from which it is difficult to escape
▪ a mental/theoretical trap ▪ Many new businesses fail because they try to expand too quickly, but we have so far managed to avoid that trap. ▪ They tended to view marriage as a trap. ▪ Don't fall into the trap of believing that technology can solve all our problems. — see also poverty trap 3 US, golf : sand trap 4 slang : mouth
▪ Can he keep his trap shut about it? [=can he be trusted not to tell anyone about it?] ▪ Shut your trap! I've heard enough! 5 US, technical : a bend in a pipe that contains water and that prevents gas from passing through the pipe
▪ a plumbing trap —called also (Brit) U-bend; — see picture at plumbing 6 : a light carriage that is usually pulled by one horse
▪ a horse and trap
▪ They set traps to catch the mice. ▪ a bear/lobster trap ▪ She has a mind like a steel trap. [=she remembers everything] — see also mousetrap
▪ The police are laying/setting a trap to catch him. ▪ The soldiers had walked/stumbled into a trap.
b : a situation in which someone is tricked into doing or saying something
▪ Credit card companies were accused of laying/setting traps for consumers. [=tricking consumers] — see also speed trap
c : a bad position or situation from which it is difficult to escape
▪ a mental/theoretical trap ▪ Many new businesses fail because they try to expand too quickly, but we have so far managed to avoid that trap. ▪ They tended to view marriage as a trap. ▪ Don't fall into the trap of believing that technology can solve all our problems. — see also poverty trap
▪ Can he keep his trap shut about it? [=can he be trusted not to tell anyone about it?] ▪ Shut your trap! I've heard enough!
▪ a plumbing trap —called also (Brit) U-bend; — see picture at plumbing
▪ a horse and trap
spring a trap — see 2spring
