traps: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “traps” mean?
Snare or devices for catching animals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Snare or devices for catching animals; a situation from which it is difficult or impossible to escape.
In a sporting context, the compartment from which greyhounds are released at the start of a race. Figuratively, any hidden danger, pitfall, or deceptive scheme.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'traps' identically for its core meanings. 'Traps' as slang for personal belongings (e.g., 'pack your traps') is archaic/dated in both but slightly more documented in historical BrE.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties for the core meanings.
Grammar
How to Use “traps” in a Sentence
[subject] set/lay traps for [object][object] fall into/avoid trapstraps [verb: catch, ensnare, kill] [object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “traps” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government's new policy effectively traps many low-income families in debt.
- He was trapped in the lift for over an hour.
American English
- The new zoning laws trap development in the city's core.
- I feel trapped in this job with no chance for promotion.
adverb
British English
- This word is not standardly used as an adverb.
- N/A
American English
- This word is not standardly used as an adverb.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The trap door led to a dusty cellar.
- They installed a new trap valve on the pipe.
American English
- Make sure the trap line is clear before winter.
- He checked the trap mechanism on the humane animal catcher.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to market pitfalls, contractual traps, or investment scams.
Academic
Used in logic (e.g., fallacious traps in reasoning), ecology (animal trapping studies), or literary analysis (narrative traps).
Everyday
Commonly refers to mousetraps, speed traps set by police, or metaphorical traps like 'tourist traps'.
Technical
In plumbing, a U-shaped pipe ('P-trap', 'S-trap') that prevents sewer gases from entering a building.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “traps”
- Using 'traps' as a singular noun (incorrect: 'a traps'; correct: 'a trap').
- Confusing 'trap' (device) with 'trapeze' (gymnastic equipment).
- Misspelling as 'trapps'.
- Overusing the literal meaning and missing the common metaphorical use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but 'traps' is the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to trap' (e.g., 'He traps mice humanely'). The data above for 'verb' shows the past participle/adjectival use.
Both catch animals. A 'snare' typically uses a noose or loop to catch an animal by the neck or leg, while a 'trap' is a broader term for any catching device, often one that closes or crushes (like a mousetrap).
Rarely. It is almost exclusively negative, implying danger or confinement. A possible positive exception is in greyhound racing ('the dogs are in the traps'), which is neutral.
It is a hazard on a golf course, a depression filled with sand (also called a 'bunker'). This is a specialised sporting use of the 'pitfall/hazard' meaning.
Snare or devices for catching animals.
Traps is usually neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts. in register.
Traps: in British English it is pronounced /træps/, and in American English it is pronounced /træps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shut your trap! (slang: be quiet)”
- “to walk/drive into a trap”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a mouse TRying to get to A Piece of cheese but Stepping on a trap (TR-A-P-S).
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULTIES ARE PHYSICAL OBSTACLES / DECEPTION IS A CONTAINER (e.g., 'caught in a trap of lies').
Practice
Quiz
What is the meaning of 'tourist trap'?