# entrapment

/ɪnˈtɹæpmənt/ (US) · /ɛntɹˈæpmənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/entrapment
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

the act of catching someone or something in a trap, or the feeling of being stuck in a difficult situation.

For teachers: the act of capturing a person or animal in a trap; also refers to the psychological state of being unable to escape a difficult or unpleasant situation.

## Examples

- The police used entrapment to catch the thief.
- The suspect claimed that the police used entrapment to get him to commit the crime.
- The legal defense argued that the defendant's actions were the result of entrapment by an undercover officer who had encouraged the crime from the start.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.