World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesBooby-trap
/ˈbuː.bi.træp/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A hidden, improvised explosive device or mechanism designed to detonate or activate when an unsuspecting person touches or moves a seemingly harmless object.
"The retreating soldiers left a dangerous booby-trap hidden inside the abandoned building."
- 1
To equip an object or location with a concealed trap or explosive device designed to harm or surprise someone.
"They decided to booby-trap the entrance to prevent intruders from gaining access."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The term combines 'booby' (derived from the Spanish 'bobo', meaning foolish or stupid, referring to the foolish bird that was easily caught) with 'trap' originating from Germanic roots. First appearing in the late 19th century among British soldiers, it originally referred to a practical joke played on someone, but evolved during World War I to designate hidden explosive devices designed to catch an unsuspecting enemy.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Booby-trap"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Booby-trap" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
piège
Transliteration: /pjɛʒ/
"Les soldats ont découvert un piège mortel dans la forêt."
Sprengfalle
Transliteration: /ˈʃpʁɛŋˌfalə/
"Das Gebäude war voller gefährlicher Sprengfallen."
trappola esplosiva
Transliteration: /ˈtrappo.la ɛsploˈzi.va/
"La pattuglia evitò per un pelo una trappola esplosiva."
trampa explosiva
Transliteration: /ˈtɾampa eksploˈsiβa/
"Desactivaron una trampa explosiva antes de entrar."
armadilha explosiva
Transliteration: /aʁ.maˈdi.ʎɐ eks.ploˈzi.vɐ/
"O soldado desarmou a armadilha explosiva com cuidado."
धोखे का जाल
Transliteration: dhokhe ka jaal
"सैनिकों ने रास्ते में एक खतरनाक जाल को बेअसर कर दिया।"
陷阱
Transliteration: xiànjǐng
"敌人在撤退时留下了一个致命的陷阱。"
부비트랩
Transliteration: bubiteuraep
"수색대는 적의 부비트랩을 발견하고 조심스럽게 해제했다."
ブーバートラップ
Transliteration: būbātorappu
"軍は建物内に仕掛けられたブーバートラップを解除した。"
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