Booby-trap

A booby-trap is a concealed device or setup, designed to surprise and harm someone. It's typically triggered by an unsuspecting person's actions, intended to inflict physical injury, psychological distress, or damage to property. The term often evokes images of military settings or dangerous environments, but booby-traps can also be found in the context of pranks, criminal activity, or even extreme survival scenarios. The objective is always to cause harm or, at least, to cause significant unpleasantness. They rely on the element of surprise and the unawareness of the victim.

Booby-trap meaning with examples

• During the war, the soldiers were extremely cautious, constantly scanning for booby-traps hidden along the jungle paths. One wrong step could trigger an explosive. This included things like tripwires connected to grenades. The constant threat significantly affected their morale, with everyone alert to the dangers.
• The pranksters, hoping to give their neighbor a scare, set up a childish booby-trap involving a bucket of water above the door. The neighbor was not amused, they were soaked and angry. The police did not approve of it, though no real harm was done, it constituted harassment.
• In the escape room, solving the final puzzle was extremely difficult. The instructions turned out to be a booby-trap; following them led to being locked in the room! This was an essential part of the fun as participants had to look for all the things that may be a trap or a clue.
• The experienced treasure hunter meticulously checked the ancient tomb, anticipating booby-traps that may have protected the riches within. Every movement was slow and careful. He knew his survival depended on detecting and disarming the dangers before he inadvertently triggered them.
• The survivalist, stranded in the wilderness, had to construct a basic booby-trap to catch small game for sustenance. With minimal resources, their simple snare served to demonstrate the resourcefulness needed to live and thrive. This was essential for food and survival.