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noun

trapdoor

TRAP-daw

Trapdoor (noun) means a hinged or sliding door set into a floor or ceiling. Example: “The stagehands used a trapdoor for the magician's sudden disappearance.”

noun
1
A hinged or sliding door set into a floor or ceiling.
"The stagehands used a trapdoor for the magician's sudden disappearance."
2
A hidden way of gaining unauthorized access to a computer system; a backdoor.
"The hacker exploited a trapdoor left in the software by its original developers."

How to use trapdoor

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA hidden door in a floor or ceiling, or by extension a hidden way into a computer system.

Easily confused with
backdoor

Word forms

trapdoored past tense, trapdoors plural, trapdoors singular

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The stagehands used a _____ for the magician's sudden disappearance.

Etymology

A compound of trap and door.

Related words

Rhymes for trapdoor

See all rhymes for trapdoor →

Frequently asked questions

What does “trapdoor” mean?

The word “trapdoor” means a hinged or sliding door set into a floor or ceiling. In plain terms, a hidden door in a floor or ceiling, or by extension a hidden way into a computer system.

How do you pronounce “trapdoor”?

“Trapdoor” is pronounced TRAP-daw (/ˈtræpdoɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “trapdoor” in a sentence?

Here is “trapdoor” used in a sentence: “The stagehands used a trapdoor for the magician's sudden disappearance.”

What is another word for “trapdoor”?

Words with a similar meaning to “trapdoor” include drop.

What part of speech is “trapdoor”?

“Trapdoor” is a noun.

How many meanings does “trapdoor” have?

“Trapdoor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hinged or sliding door set into a floor or ceiling.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial