Trapped: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.