tripwire

[ trip-wahyuhr ]

noun

1. a wire used to set off concealed explosives, as one stretched across a footpath to be struck and activated by the foot of an enemy soldier.
2. a wire that activates a trap, camera, or other device when stepped on, tripped trip on, or otherwise disturbed.

tripwire

/ ˈtrɪpˌwaɪə /

noun

1. a wire that activates a trap, mine, etc, when tripped over

Word History and Origins

Origin of tripwire¹

trip ¹ + wire

Example Sentences

The tripwire for an unfolding plot to take control of the flight would be the transponder, operated by a switch beside the pilots.

From The Daily Beast

The transponder is really the tripwire for whatever began to unfold on that jet.

From The Daily Beast

The emotions of Democrats are on a tripwire, ready to react at the slightest provocation.

From The Daily Beast