'mousetrap' definitions:

Definition of 'mousetrap'

noun

A trap for catching mice

noun

(American football) a play in which a defensive player is allowed to cross the line of scrimmage and then blocked off as the runner goes through the place the lineman vacated [syn: mousetrap, trap play]

Definition of 'mousetrap'

From: GCIDE

mousetrap \mouse"trap`\, mouse trap \mouse" trap`\, n. Any device that catches, and usually kills, mice. They are of various designs, the most common being a stiff loop of wire mounted on a small wooden platform base and attached to a strong spring, which holds the loop firmly against the base. To activate the trap, the loop is pulled through a 180[deg] arc against the tension of the spring and held against the base by a delicate metal catch, which can keep the loop from moving, though in a state of high tension. The metal catch is moved when a mouse tries to take a piece of bait attached to it, releasing the loop which forcefully moves though an arc, usually killing the mouse. A larger version of the same device is used as a rat trap. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'mousetrap'

From: Moby Thesaurus

baited trap,
bazooka,
booby trap,
calliope,
deadfall,
deathtrap,
decoy,
Dionaea,
firetrap,
flytrap,
gin,
hedgehog,
launch pad,
launching pad,
launching platform,
launching tube,
Mark,
mine,
mole trap,
pitfall,
projector,
rattrap,
set gun,
silo,
spring gun,
springe,
trap,
trapfall