tripwire Definition
- 1a hidden wire or thread stretched across a pathway, which when touched or stepped on sets off a trap or alarm
- 2a situation that could cause a crisis or disaster if it is not handled carefully
Using tripwire: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tripwire" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The soldiers had to be careful not to set off any tripwires.
Example
The new policy could be a tripwire for the company's profits.
Example
The discovery of the virus was a tripwire for the medical community.
tripwire Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with tripwire
a phenomenon where a small event or action can trigger a much larger reaction or consequence
Example
The new law could have a tripwire effect on the economy.
a small military force stationed in a foreign country to act as a deterrent against aggression
Example
The US has deployed tripwire forces in several countries around the world.
a strategy of using small-scale military actions to deter or prevent larger conflicts
Example
The president's tripwire diplomacy has been criticized by some as reckless.
Summary: tripwire in Brief
A 'tripwire' [ˈtrɪpwaɪər] is a hidden wire or thread that triggers a trap or alarm when touched. It can also refer to a situation that could cause a crisis or disaster if not handled carefully. Examples include soldiers avoiding tripwires and a new policy being a tripwire for a company's profits. Phrases like 'tripwire effect' describe a small event triggering a larger reaction, while 'tripwire forces' refer to small military forces acting as a deterrent.
