Being caught in a trap or a difficult situation you can't escape from, or when police trick someone into committing a crime.
From 'en-' (to cause to be) plus 'trap' (a device for catching something). The legal meaning developed in the 20th century in American jurisprudence.
In law, entrapment is forbidden because a police officer encouraging you to commit a crime you wouldn't normally commit violates your rights—the government can't manufacture criminals.
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