Entrap

To entrap means to lure or trick someone into a compromising or dangerous situation, often with the intent of capturing or deceiving them. It can involve setting a trap, using deceit, or manipulating circumstances to cause someone to take an action they wouldn't otherwise consider. The aim is typically to ensnare the target, leading them to confess, be apprehended, or otherwise suffer negative consequences. This act often implies a lack of fairness or ethical conduct on the part of the person setting the entrapment.

Entrap meaning with examples

• The undercover police officer worked diligently to entrap the suspected drug dealers. He spent months building a rapport and staging multiple staged buy-and-sells to collect the evidence needed for an arrest. This deliberate effort led the suspects to expose their illegal activity, which resulted in their arrest. Entrapment in these cases is complex as police have to distinguish between legitimate actions and encouraging a crime.
• Driven by jealousy, she attempted to entrap her rival in a compromising position. She arranged for her to be seen with another man in a public location, hoping to damage her reputation and ruin her relationship. Her plan was to entrap her in a situation where she would look guilty, which would create drama for all parties involved. Her efforts ultimately failed and was recognized as a malicious intent to damage the relationship.
• The cunning detective used a false identity and fabricated evidence to entrap the corrupt politician. He posed as a businessman seeking favors, recording their illicit conversations and exchanging money to create an undeniable paper trail. This strategy aimed to entrap the politician in a web of corruption, resulting in their indictment on various charges. This was a high stakes investigation to bring down a public official.
• Realizing the flaws in their research design, the scientists were accused of trying to entrap the public into believing a false narrative. By deliberately manipulating data and presenting misleading results, they hoped to push their agenda, rather than to find truth. Their attempts were met with fierce criticism as many academics began to question their intentions and the validity of their work, which was considered ethically problematic.