Trojan horse

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Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A deceptive strategy or device: A "Trojan horse" is something that appears harmless, useful, or desirable but is used to conceal a hidden, harmful intent or force. This meaning originates from the ancient Greek story.
    • A type of malicious software (malware): In computing, a "Trojan horse" (often shortened to "Trojan") is a program that misleads users about its true purpose, often appearing as legitimate software but performing harmful actions once installed.
Usage
  • The term is used to describe a deceptive trick or trap. In computing, it specifically refers to a major category of malware. It is often used with the indefinite article ("a Trojan horse") or as a proper noun when referring to the historical artifact ("the Trojan Horse").
Examples

  • Noun (Deceptive Strategy):

    • The new tax law was a Trojan horse, hiding severe cuts to public services.
    • The ancient Greeks used the Trojan Horse to secretly enter the city of Troy.

  • Noun (Malware):

    • Never open email attachments from unknown senders; they might contain a Trojan horse.
    • His computer was infected by a Trojan that stole his banking passwords.
Advanced Usage
  • "To be a Trojan horse for something": To serve as a deceptive means of introducing or enabling something else.
    • The trade agreement was seen as a Trojan horse for deregulating the industry.
Variants and Related Words
  • Trojan (n): A common shortened form, especially in computing contexts (e.g., "a Trojan virus").
  • Trojan horse attack (n phr): The specific act of deploying or falling victim to a Trojan horse, especially in cybersecurity.
  • Trojan War (n phr): The legendary war from which the original story of the Trojan Horse comes.
Synonyms
  • Deception: The act of deceiving.
  • Ruse: A trick or stratagem intended to deceive.
  • Malware: Malicious software (this is a broader category that includes Trojans).
  • Fifth column: A group within a country that works to support its enemies (similar to the subversive group meaning).
Related Phrases
  • Beware of Greeks bearing gifts: An idiom derived from the same story, meaning to be suspicious of seemingly generous offers from rivals or enemies.
Noun
  1. a large hollow wooden figure of a horse (filled with Greek soldiers) left by the Greeks outside Troy during the Trojan War
  2. a program that appears desirable but actually contains something harmful
    • the contents of a trojan can be a virus or a worm
    • when he downloaded the free game it turned out to be a trojan horse
  3. a subversive group that supports the enemy and engages in espionage or sabotage; an enemy in your midst

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