attractive nuisance

noun

1. Law. a doctrine of tort law under which a person who creates or permits to exist on their land a dangerous condition attractive to children, as an unfenced swimming pool, is liable for their resulting injuries, even though the injured are trespassers.
2. a hazardous condition or object a person creates or permits to exist on their land that is attractive to children.

Word History and Origins

Origin of attractive nuisance¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

As for the great grate, it will be a run-of-the-mill industrial drainage fixture: The Army Corps of Engineers, which operates and maintains the river’s concrete jacket, will not allow a unique design that could become an “attractive nuisance.”

From Los Angeles Times

However, a swimming pool is considered an “attractive nuisance” and significantly increases your liability risk, which will likely increase your homeowners insurance premium.

From Seattle Times

"That way I have no attractive nuisance that would bring raccoons, foxes, opossum, bear, rats on to the farm."

From Salon

You might say the Lerners had created an attractive nuisance in our backyards.

From Washington Post

“Based on the number of no trespassing signs in many places the river today is more of an attractive nuisance than an asset,” city documents say.

From Seattle Times