[trip-wahyuh
r] 
| 1. | a wire used to set off concealed explosives, as one stretched across a footpath to be struck and activated by the foot of an enemy soldier. |
| 2. | a wire that activates a trap, camera, or other device when stepped on, tripped on, or otherwise disturbed. |
| trip wire | |
noun | |
| 1. | 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 |
| 2. | a wire stretched close to the ground that activates something (a trap or camera or weapon) when tripped over |