landmine
landmine Lexical Profile
landmine Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An explosive device concealed on or just under the ground, designed to detonate when stepped on, driven over, or triggered by proximity.
"Humanitarian organizations have spent decades clearing unexploded landmines from former conflict zones so local farmers can safely cultivate their fields."
A hidden danger, sensitive issue, or unforeseen complication that can cause sudden difficulty or controversy if encountered.
"The new tax proposal is full of political landmines that could easily derail the bipartisan negotiations."
• verb
To place concealed explosive devices on or beneath the surface of an area of ground.
"International treaties strictly prohibit forces from landmining civilian agricultural corridors and border crossings."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed as a compound of 'land' and 'mine'; in military engineering, a 'mine' originally referred to a subterranean tunnel dug beneath enemy fortifications to collapse them or detonate gunpowder, before coming to denote a concealed explosive device.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.