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Definition of trapdoor

trapdoor

/ˈtræpˌdɔːr/
trap · door
Plural:trapdoors
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trapdoor Lexical Profile

trapdoor Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A hinged or sliding door set into a floor, roof, or ceiling.

Example

"The magician made a dramatic exit by dropping suddenly through a trapdoor on the stage."

2

A hidden or undocumented method of bypassing normal authentication or security controls in a computer system or algorithm.

Example

"The developers left a trapdoor in the software code to allow remote access for troubleshooting."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for trapdoor

• Nearby Words

transit
transmitter
trap
trapdoor
trapeze
trash
trash can

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 14th century from the Middle English words 'trappe' (trap) and 'dore' (door), originally describing a horizontal door that could be dropped suddenly like a snare.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Trapdoor. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/trapdoor
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