Deathtrap: meaning, definitions and examples
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deathtrap
[ ˈdɛθtræp ]
dangerous situation
A deathtrap is a place, situation, or device that is extremely dangerous and likely to cause death or serious injury. The term can be used to describe various scenarios, from a poorly designed building or vehicle to a treacherous natural environment. It conveys a sense of imminent threat and often highlights the negligence or design flaws that contribute to the danger. The word implies that the risk of mortal harm is not just possible, but highly probable.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The crumbling old bridge was a total deathtrap.
- He unknowingly walked into a deathtrap set by his enemies.
- The roller coaster malfunctioned, turning it into a deathtrap for the riders.
Translations
Translations of the word "deathtrap" in other languages:
🇵🇹 armadilha mortal
🇮🇳 मौत का जाल
🇩🇪 Todesfalle
🇮🇩 perangkap maut
🇺🇦 смертельна пастка
🇵🇱 pułapka śmierci
🇯🇵 死の罠
🇫🇷 piège mortel
🇪🇸 trampa mortal
🇹🇷 ölüm tuzağı
🇰🇷 죽음의 함정
🇸🇦 فخ الموت
🇨🇿 smrtelná past
🇸🇰 smrteľná pasca
🇨🇳 死亡陷阱
🇸🇮 smrtonosna past
🇮🇸 dauðaföll
🇰🇿 өлім тұзағы
🇬🇪 მკვდარი ხაფანგი
🇦🇿 ölüm tələsi
🇲🇽 trampa mortal
Etymology
The word 'deathtrap' is a compound noun formed from 'death' and 'trap'. 'Death' stems from the Old English 'deað', which has Germanic roots and is related to similar words in other languages that convey the meaning of the end of life. 'Trap' comes from the Middle English 'trappe', which originates from Old French 'trappe' meaning a device for catching or holding something, and has roots in Germanic languages. The use of 'deathtrap' emerged in the early 20th century as a colloquial term to describe situations that not only pose a risk of injury but are so poorly designed or inherently dangerous that they seem to be intentionally lethal. Over time, it has found its way into literature and media, often used in contexts denoting perilous scenarios like horror films or thrillers.