[catch-22] n, pl catch-22's or catch-22s often cap [fr. Catch-22, paradoxical rule in the novel Catch-22 (1961) by Joseph Heller] (1961) 1: a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule "the show-business ~--no work unless you have an agent, no agent unless you've worked --Mary Murphy"; also: the circumstance or rule that denies a solution
2. a: an illogical, unreasonable, or senseless situation b: a measure or policy whose effect is the opposite of what was intended c: a situation presenting two equally undesirable alternatives
3: a hidden difficulty or means of entrapment: catch