booby trap

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See synonyms for booby trap on Thesaurus.com

noun

a hidden bomb or mine so placed that it will be set off by an unsuspecting person through such means as moving an apparently harmless object.

any hidden trap set for an unsuspecting person.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of booby trap

First recorded in 1840–50

Words nearby booby trap

boobook, boob tube, booby, booby hatch, booby prize, booby trap, boodie, boodle, boofhead, boofy, boogaloo

Other definitions for booby trap (2 of 2)

booby-trap

[ boo-bee-trap ]

/ ˈbu biˌtræp /

verb (used with object), boo·by-trapped, boo·by-trap·ping.

to set with or as if with a booby trap; attach a booby trap to or in.

Origin of booby-trap

First recorded in 1940–45

How to use booby trap in a sentence

But Reconcile is from a slightly different arm of Houston hip-hop—more focused on spiritual triumph over the trap.
Down With the King: Christianity Isn’t Hiding in Rap’s Closet|Stereo Williams|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Do not fall into the trap of being swayed by political notion.
Is Pope Francis Backpedaling on Gays?|Jay Michaelson|November 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You now have a growing number of candidates and elected officials who can do that without having to fall into that trap.
The Republican Rainbow Coalition Is Real|Tim Mak|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
By the time Sotloff was allowed to leave the border crossing, the trap was set.
Obama Administration and Sotloff Family Battle Over Blame for Journalist’s Kidnapping|Josh Rogin|September 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST

In this way, the U.S. would avoid the trap of being viewed, once again, as the leader of an anti-Islamic crusade.
Stop the ISIS War Before It Gets Worse!|Jeffrey Sachs, Michael Shank|September 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sometimes the animal was caught in a trap which was nothing less than a hut of logs with a single entrance.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike
Haggard had disappeared with the celerity of a harlequin who jumps through a trap.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
A patch of light fell clear on the side of the trap, and on Longcluse's ungloved hand as he leaned on it.
Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
A trap-door had opened in the floor of his consciousness; his first, early love sheltered in his aching heart again.
The Wave|Algernon Blackwood
But if they all pick up the broadcast that this is where to get a free ride home, I'll have just another sand trap here.
Fee of the Frontier|Horace Brown Fyfe

British Dictionary definitions for booby trap

booby trap

noun

a hidden explosive device primed in such a way as to be set off by an unsuspecting victim

a trap for an unsuspecting person, esp one intended as a practical joke, such as an object balanced above a door to fall on the person who opens it

verb booby-trap, traps, -trapping or -trapped

(tr) to set a booby trap in or on (a building or object) or for (a person)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

booby trap

Origin of booby trap

Words nearby booby trap

Other definitions for booby trap (2 of 2)

Origin of booby-trap

Words related to booby trap

How to use booby trap in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for booby trap