Booby trap

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KOREAN TROOPS USE CHART to show villagers types of Viet Cong booby traps

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US Navy 101116-N-8546L-728 A Uruguayan army explosive ordnance disposal officer,

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Press, Pull and release switches

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Booby trap is a device or setup that is intended to kill, harm, or surprise a person, unknowingly triggered by the presence or actions of the victim. As the word "trap" implies, they often have some form of bait designed to lure the victim towards it. At its most basic, a booby trap might be as simple as a hidden pitfall or as complex as a rigged artifact in an ancient tomb designed to protect it from intruders. The term "booby trap" comes from the Spanish word bobo, meaning "stupid", "fool", or "naive", suggesting that only a foolish or naive person would be ensnared by such a trap.

History

The use of booby traps dates back to ancient times, with examples found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, designed to protect valuable burial items from thieves. Throughout history, booby traps have been used in warfare, by guerrilla forces, and in civilian contexts for the protection of property. During both World Wars, booby traps were used extensively to inflict casualties on enemy forces and to create a psychological impact.

Types of Booby Traps

Booby traps can be classified into several types based on their triggering mechanisms and intended effects. Some common types include:

• Mechanical Traps: These are triggered by physical actions such as stepping on a pressure plate or breaking a tripwire. Examples include the Pitfall trap, Snare, and Spring gun.

• Explosive Traps: Utilizing explosives to harm or kill the victim, these traps are often rigged with a detonating mechanism triggered by disturbance. Landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) fall into this category.

• Chemical and Biological Traps: Less common, these traps use poisonous, noxious, or infectious agents to incapacitate or kill.

• Electrical Traps: Designed to deliver a lethal or incapacitating electric shock upon activation.

Detection and Disposal

Detecting and safely disposing of booby traps is a highly specialized field, often involving military engineers, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams, and demining groups. Techniques vary depending on the type of trap and the environment in which it is found.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The use of booby traps is considered a violation of the laws of war under certain circumstances, particularly in civilian areas or in ways that do not discriminate between combatants and non-combatants. Various international treaties and conventions regulate or prohibit their use.

In Popular Culture

Booby traps have been a popular element in adventure stories, movies, and video games, often depicted as ingenious but perilous devices guarding treasure or important locations. Notable examples include the Indiana Jones series and the Tomb Raider franchise.

See Also

• Landmine
• Improvised explosive device
• Explosive ordnance disposal

Booby trap Resources
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