firetrap

[ fahyuhr-trap ]

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.

Origin of firetrap

First recorded in 1880–85; fire + trap¹

Words Nearby firetrap

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use firetrap in a sentence

That same year students at Brooklyn’s Thomas Jefferson High School staged a walkout, chanting their slogan, “More schools, less firetraps.”
Students are protesting covid policies — and the adults who won’t listen to them | Jack Hodgson | January 18, 2022 | Washington Post
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 | THE 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

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