1. a trap designed to catch people, especially trespassers
2. a dangerous or hazardous situation that can harm someone
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The old estate was rumored to have mantraps hidden in the woods.
• Poachers had to be careful of mantraps set by the gamekeeper.
• The icy steps became a mantrap for unwary pedestrians.
• That investment scheme was a financial mantrap for inexperienced investors.
• The abandoned building was full of mantraps like loose floorboards and exposed wiring.
• Historical mantraps were often concealed with leaves and branches.