booby trap

¹

noun

1. a hidden bomb or mine so placed that it will be set off by an unsuspecting person through such means as moving an apparently harmless object.
2. any hidden trap set for an unsuspecting person.

booby-trap

²

[ boo-bee-trap ]

verb (used with object)

, boo·by-trapped, boo·by-trap·ping.

1. to set with or as if with a booby trap; attach a booby trap to or in.

booby trap

noun

1. a hidden explosive device primed in such a way as to be set off by an unsuspecting victim
2. a trap for an unsuspecting person, esp one intended as a practical joke, such as an object balanced above a door to fall on the person who opens it

verb

1. tr to set a booby trap in or on (a building or object) or for (a person)

Word History and Origins

Origin of booby trap¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Origin of booby trap²

First recorded in 1940–45

Related Words

• land mine