Bearish markets are often characterized by a downward trend in asset prices over time. This type of market is generally associated with negative sentiment among investors, typically resulting in declining stock prices and lower trading volumes. There are several synonyms for the term "bearish market," including a "down market," "bear market," and "bear trap." A down market generally refers to any period of time when prices are trending downwards, while a bear market specifically denotes a market in which asset prices have deteriorated significantly. A bear trap describes a situation where traders attempt to buy assets whose prices are expected to rise, only to find themselves trapped in a market that continues to decline.