mousetrap: Meaning and Definition of

mouse•trap

Pronunciation: (mous'trap"), [key]
— n., v., -trapped, -trap•ping.
—n.
  1. a trap for mice, esp. one consisting of a rectangular wooden base on which a metal spring is mounted.
  2. a device, machine, or the like whose structure or function suggests a trap for mice.
  3. a device, system, or stratagem for detecting and catching someone in an unauthorized or illegal act.
  4. trap (def. 11).
  5. to make or offer a superior product.
—v.t.
  1. traffic cops mousetrapping drunken drivers.
    1. to trap or snare:traffic cops mousetrapping drunken drivers.
    2. to manipulate by devious or clever means; trick or outwit:to mousetrap the witness into a contradiction.
  2. trap (def. 20).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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