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trapped

trapped

4.4
Unable to escape from a dangerous place or situation, for example when surrounded by attackers
  • adjective
  • /træpt/
translation icon : atrapado
  • During the storm, the hikers were trapped on the mountain with no way down.

And I just felt really trapped, really trapped.

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Examples

  • Most humans are trapped in the egoic sense of self.

  • And I just felt really trapped, really trapped.

  • It's just the whole trapped feeling that you get.

  • It's a sense of, of feeling trapped in the wrong life.

  • Time is a flat circle and I'm trapped in between.

  • She will feel like she's she's trapped in a, in a jail cell, right?

  • She felt trapped in her relationship, unable to express her true feelings.

  • The kitten was trapped behind the sofa, meowing for help to get out.

Synonyms

stuck
vstrapped
1.0

Not able to move because something holds or traps you

highlights inability to escape due to threat or attacker rather than simple blockage
captive
vstrapped
54 4.2

Kept as a prisoner and not free

focuses more on sudden danger or threat rather than formal detention
in chains
vstrapped
33 6.3

A person who has metal bands on the hands or feet so they cannot move

covers many danger situations, not only being bound by metal
cooped up
vstrapped
  • Informal
28 5.5

Being kept in a small space makes you restless and unhappy

is about being unable to escape from a threatening or dangerous situation
stranded
vstrapped
3 4.0

Unable to leave a place because no help or transport is available

focuses on being unable to escape actual threat rather than lacking transport
treed
vstrapped
  • Jargon
1 8.2

Unable to escape because others chased them into a high place

is broader, covering any inability to escape danger not only elevation
mired
vstrapped
1 7.8

In a bad situation that stops progress like being stuck in mud

stresses the presence of danger or an attacker causing the inability
enmeshed
vstrapped
1 7.5

Caught up in something so you cannot easily leave

is more about immediate physical danger or forced confrontation
marooned
vstrapped
1 7.9

Alone in a place you cannot leave

involves active danger or attacker pressure rather than mere isolation
cornered
vstrapped
4.5

In a place where you cannot escape and must face someone

is about being unable to escape in a dangerous situation generally
enchained
vstrapped
  • Archaic
9.1

Held with chains or by rules that stop you from acting

emphasizes facing an immediate threat rather than just being bound
confined
vstrapped
3.7

Kept in one small space and unable to leave

adds the idea of imminent danger or attacker pressure to that state

Antonyms

1.0

Without being held or controlled and able to move

4.9

Free from traditional social rules in behavior and personal relationships

How Trapped

trapped
4.4
stuck
1.0

Surface Forms

trapped positive

Morphology

trapped = trap (transparent) = trap + ed

The adjective is a regular past-participial adjective formed from the verb 'trap' with the productive suffix '-ed', so the meaning 'unable to escape' is directly derived.

Etymology

Trapped comes from the simple word trap, which is a tool used to catch animals, so it helps to picture being 'caught'. That's why when someone is trapped they cannot escape or get out.