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Tripwire - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A tripwire is a hidden wire or device that triggers an alarm, trap, or action when disturbed. It is often used for security, surveillance, or in military contexts to detect movement.

tripwire

/ˈtrɪpˌwaɪər/ /ˈtrɪpˌwaɪə/

Definition:

A wire or device that triggers an alarm or trap when disturbed.

Synonyms:

trigger, snare, alarm, booby trap

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

safety measure, safeguard

Common Collocations:

set a tripwire, trigger the tripwire, military tripwire, hidden tripwire, electronic tripwire

Derivatives:

tripwires (plural), tripwired (past tense)

Usage Tips:

Use "tripwire" literally for physical traps or metaphorically for early warning systems.

Common Phrases:

set off the tripwire, tripwire alarm, walk into a tripwire

Etymology:

From "trip" (to stumble) + "wire," dating to early 20th century military usage.

Examples:

  • 1. The soldier carefully avoided the hidden tripwire.
  • 2. The burglars triggered the tripwire and set off the alarm.
  • 3. She used a tripwire to protect her campsite from animals.
  • 4. The spy’s escape plan included a tripwire as a distraction.

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