Entrapped

To be entrapped means to be caught or held in a trap, snare, or other situation from which escape is difficult or impossible. This can be physical, as in being literally caught in a cage, or metaphorical, representing confinement by circumstances, emotions, or obligations. The state of being entrapped often implies a loss of freedom, agency, or control, and can induce feelings of helplessness, frustration, and desperation. It highlights a condition of being caught unexpectedly, or due to some circumstance or event. The word frequently signifies a deliberate act designed to ensnare or mislead, potentially involving a setup or scheme.

Entrapped meaning with examples

• The detective suspected the suspect had been entrapped by the undercover officers, but the evidence was still substantial to justify a charge. The suspect was being held for questioning after the sting operation, however, which gave them a fighting chance.
• Feeling completely entrapped by her demanding job and family obligations, Sarah began to experience symptoms of burnout and anxiety and the desire to be free to explore her hobbies. She began to contemplate drastic life changes.
• The hikers realized they were entrapped by the sudden blizzard, their path blocked by the rapidly accumulating snow. The sudden weather change meant that their safety was dependent on the skills and resources they had, to wait it out.
• His testimony revealed that he had been entrapped into the scheme by his former business partner. He regretted not listening to his intuition as his business started to fail. This was all his fault for being greedy.
• The small animal, unknowingly, had become entrapped in the snare, its desperate struggles only tightening the trap. It was going to be very hard to escape its predicament, and the animal had only a short time left.