booby trap

     

In warfare, a booby trap is an anti-personnel weapon place in building or in a non-combat area that has a psychological attraction for enemy soldiers. Triggering the device will kill or severely injure the victim. The term comes from the implication that such a trap will be set off by a foolish person (a "booby"). The first use of the term is from the 1850s, when it was used to describe practical jokes that are set off by their victim. In fact, the term is still used to describe a type of firework which explodes loudly when strings protruding from either end are pulled, which may be tied to a door handle.

Trivia about booby trap

  • A hidden bomb placed to be set off by an unsuspecting person

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