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tripwire

American  
[trip-wahyuhr] / ˈtrɪpˌwaɪər /

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 on, or otherwise disturbed.


tripwire British  
/ ˈtrɪpˌwaɪə /

noun

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

"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

Etymology

Origin of tripwire

trip 1 + wire

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The comments given by John Gibson are of his own opinion, and do not reflect those of Tripwire Interactive as a company,” read a statement from Tripwire Interactive leadership.

From New York Times • May 4, 2022

“His comments disregarded the values of our whole team, our partners and much of our broader community,” Tripwire wrote on their website.

From The Verge • Sep. 7, 2021

"His comments disregarded the values of our whole team, our partners and much of our broader community," Tripwire said.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2021

“Our leadership team at Tripwire are deeply sorry and are unified in our commitment to take swift action and to foster a more positive environment.”

From The Verge • Sep. 7, 2021

Ryan Morris, founder of Tripwire Operation Group, a company that provides explosives training to law enforcement and military officials, called the devices “Mickey Mouse” bombs that were meant to be found.

From Fox News • Oct. 26, 2018