booby trap

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booby trap

n. a device set up to be triggered to harm or kill anyone entering the trap, such as a shot gun which will go off if a room is entered, or dynamite which will explode if the ignition key on an auto is turned. If a person sets up such a trap to protect his/her property he/she will be liable for any injury or death even to an unwanted intruder such as a burglar. Setting a booby trap is also a crime.