Definition

1. Noun:
   • A wire stretched close to the ground that activates something (a trap, camera, or weapon) when tripped over: A physical wire or cord, often concealed, designed to trigger a mechanism when disturbed by contact.
   • A small military force that serves as a first line of defense; if they become engaged in hostilities it will trigger the intervention of stronger military forces: A strategic military unit or presence whose primary purpose is to act as a trigger for a larger, pre-planned response.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Physical Wire):

  • The explorers carefully avoided the trip wire connected to the ancient trap.
  • Security systems often use a trip wire to detect intruders.

• Noun (Military Force):

  • The battalion stationed at the border acted as a trip wire, ensuring any invasion would prompt a full-scale response from the alliance.
  • The diplomatic outpost served as a political trip wire, its compromise being the signal for sanctions.

Advanced Usage

• "To serve as a trip wire": To function as a triggering mechanism or early warning system.

  • The new sensor network acts as a trip wire for environmental changes in the forest.

• "Trip-wire force": A term specifically describing the military deployment with a triggering purpose.

  • The country maintains a trip-wire force in the disputed region as a deterrent.

Variants and Related Words

• Tripwire (noun): A common alternative spelling as a single word (tripwire).
• Trigger (noun/verb): The mechanism activated or the act of activation. While related, "trigger" is a broader term.
• Booby trap (noun): A concealed trap, which may be activated by a trip wire.

Synonyms

• Trigger mechanism
• Booby-trap wire
• Sentinel force (for the military sense)
• Trigger force (for the military sense)

Related Phrases

• Set a trip wire: To install or deploy a trip wire.

  • The soldiers set a trip wire around their camp for security.

• Stumble on a trip wire: To accidentally trigger a trip wire.

  • The thief stumbled on a trip wire, setting off the alarm.

Related Idioms

• A trip-wire issue: A metaphorical issue that is highly sensitive and likely to trigger a strong, immediate reaction or conflict.
  • Trade tariffs have become a trip-wire issue in the negotiations.

Noun

1. a wire stretched close to the ground that activates something (a trap or camera or weapon) when tripped over
2. a small military force that serves as a first line of defense; if they become engaged in hostilities it will trigger the intervention of stronger military forces