death trap

noun

: a structure or situation that is potentially very dangerous to life

Examples of death trap in a Sentence

That old elevator is a death trap. The factory was a death trap with too few exits for the workers to use in case of a fire.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
More people should be fleeing this death trap. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025 Their creation comes across as a death trap — or a surefire way to get tetanus, at the very least. — Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025 That's like a death trap to me, personally. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026 My apartment is essentially a death trap to anyone with a nut allergy. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for death trap

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of death trap was in 1828

Rhymes for death trap

See All Rhymes for death trap

Browse Nearby Words

death toll
death trap
Death Valley
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Death trap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/death%20trap. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

death trap

noun
: an object or situation likely to cause death
that old elevator is a death trap
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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