Trapdoor

A trapdoor is a hinged or sliding door, typically flush with the surface it covers, allowing access to a space below. Commonly found in floors, ceilings, or walls, trapdoors can be used for various purposes, including secret passages, storage, access to utility systems, or as a means of quick escape. Its design emphasizes concealment and discreet entry or exit, often camouflaged or disguised to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. The element of surprise or hidden access is central to its function, whether it is the dramatic reveal of a dungeon, a secret compartment, or a maintenance portal.

Trapdoor meaning with examples

• The old house had a dusty, wooden trapdoor in the attic floor leading to a forgotten crawl space. Sunlight streamed through the cracks in the boards as he slowly lifted it, discovering an old trunk.
• In the escape room, the solution to the riddle revealed a hidden trapdoor beneath a seemingly ordinary rug. The team excitedly heaved the rug aside, and the door sprung open, beckoning them downwards.
• The magician’s performance culminated in a dramatic disappearance as he vanished through a concealed trapdoor on the stage. Smoke billowed around the hole, leaving the audience in bewildered awe.
• The engineers used a trapdoor in the ship's hull to access the engine room for repairs. The workers descended into the engine room, with the trapdoor sealed behind them to keep out the wind and water.
• The spy movie featured a daring escape through a trapdoor in the castle dungeon, leading to a network of secret tunnels. The hero slid down the rope through the trapdoor before his pursuers could react.