Trapped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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trapped

[træpt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feeling

to be caught in a confined space or situation, unable to escape

Synonyms

captured, confined, imprisoned.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trapped	Used when someone or something is stuck and unable to move, often in a dangerous or distressing situation. The hikers were trapped in the cave after the landslide. I felt trapped in my job with no way to advance.
confined	Indicates being restricted to a particular space or limited in freedom, often used in medical or professional settings. She was confined to bed rest due to her illness. The prisoners were confined in small cells.
captured	Refers to someone being taken into custody or control, often by force. Can also be used metaphorically for emotions or tones. The soldiers captured the enemy spy. The photographer captured the beauty of the landscape perfectly.
imprisoned	Used when someone is held in prison as a punishment for a crime. It has a legal connotation. He was imprisoned for 10 years for his involvement in the robbery. Many political activists were imprisoned for their beliefs.

Examples of usage

She felt trapped in her job
The mouse was trapped in the cage

^{Context #2 | Verb}

capturing

to catch and hold someone or something in a place or situation from which they cannot escape

Synonyms

capture, confine, ensnare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trapped	Used when someone or something is caught and unable to escape, often in a physical sense but can also be used metaphorically. The hikers were trapped in the cave after the landslide. She felt trapped in a job she didn't like.
capture	Used when someone or something is taken into custody or control, often by force. It can be used in a physical or abstract context. The police managed to capture the suspect after a long chase. The artist's painting beautifully captures the essence of the city.
confine	Used when restricting someone or something within certain limits. Often implies a limitation on freedom or movement. The patient was confined to his bed for weeks. The soldiers were confined to the barracks until further notice.
ensnare	Used when someone or something is caught in a trap, often with a connotation of deceit or trickery. It has a slightly more negative implication. The thief was ensnared by the elaborate security system. She was ensnared in a web of lies and couldn't find her way out.

Examples of usage

The hunters trapped the wild animals
The police trapped the criminal in the alley

^{Context #3 | Noun}

situation

a situation in which someone feels restricted or confined, as if they cannot escape

Synonyms

captivity, confinement, restriction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trapped	Appropriate to describe a situation where someone or something cannot escape from a place or situation. The hikers were trapped in the cave by the landslide. I felt trapped in my job and wanted a change.
confinement	Refers to being kept within limits, often in a small or restricted space, usually for a specific purpose or punishment. The prisoner was kept in solitary confinement. The patient was in confinement due to a contagious disease.
restriction	Used when discussing limitations or controls placed on someone's movements, actions, or freedom. There are restrictions on where you can smoke in this building. The new law imposes restrictions on car emissions.
captivity	Used when talking about animals or people being held and not allowed to go free, often for an extended period. The animals were born in captivity and have never known the wild. The soldiers were held in captivity for several years.

Examples of usage

She was in a trapped marriage
The trapped miners were finally rescued

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'trapped'

The word 'trapped' originates from the Middle English word 'trappen', which means 'to catch in a trap'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of being trapped has been a common theme in literature and art, symbolizing confinement or restriction. The word is often used to describe both physical and metaphorical situations where escape seems impossible.

See also: entrap, entrapment, trap, trappers, trapping.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,052 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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7049 entertain
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7051 melted
7052 trapped
7053 oats
7054 replies
7055 alpha
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