firetrap

[ fahyuh r-trap ]

/ ˈfaɪərˌtræp /

noun

a building that, because of its age, material, structure, or the like, is especially dangerous in case of fire.

(in a building) any arrangement of structural, flooring, and finish members creating concealed passages through which fire can spread to other parts of the building.

Nearby words

fireside chats, firestone, firestop, firestorm, firethorn, firetrap, firewall, firewarden, firewater, fireweed, firewire

Origin of firetrap

First recorded in 1880–85; fire + trap¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for firetrap

But survivors told police and reporters a different story, describing the club as a firetrap.
Arrests Made in Brazilian Nightclub Inferno|Mac Margolis|January 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Stan wanted to ask that Jerry a few questions, and the Jerry had to be rescued from his firetrap or he couldn't do it.
A Yankee Flier with the R.A.F.|Rutherford G. Montgomery

British Dictionary definitions for firetrap

firetrap

/ (ˈfaɪəˌtræp) /

noun

a building that would burn easily or one without fire escapes

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