Definition

The act of trapping someone or something, often used in legal contexts to describe a situation where a person is led to commit a crime by law enforcement.

Example

The police were accused of entrapment after they encouraged the suspect to commit the crime.

Conversation

Did you hear about that case of entrapment in the news?

Yeah, it’s crazy how law enforcement can lead someone into a crime like that.

I know, it's a fine line between catching criminals and just trapping innocent people.

Exactly! It really makes you think about the justice system.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Entrapment → It is formed from "en-" (meaning to cause to be in) and "trap" (from Old French *trappe*, meaning a snare or device for capturing). The word describes the act of causing someone to be caught in a trap or snare.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'caused to be in' a 'trap' — that's why entrapment means being caught in a trap.

Visually Confused Words