Meaning of "caltrop" in English

The word "caltrop" refers to a small, metal device with four sharp points arranged so that one point always faces upward when the device is placed or thrown, used historically as an anti-personnel weapon. It was intended to injure the feet of men or animals or to puncture tires in more modern applications. Caltrops have been used since ancient times, frequently in military settings or during law enforcement activities, to impede the movement of adversaries or vehicles.

Meaning of "caltrop" in French

In French, "caltrop" refers to the same object as in English—a spiked metallic device with several protruding points, designed so that one sharp point is always facing upwards. Like its English counterpart, the "caltrop" has historically been used as a defensive measure to hinder the advance of troops or conveyance by injuring feet or puncturing tires. The term is used in both historical military contexts and modern settings to describe any effort to slow or obstruct enemy movement.

Pronunciation of "caltrop" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈkæl.trəp/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "caltrop" remains relatively consistent across English-speaking regions, with minor variations in accent causing slight differences in the pronunciation, particularly regarding the first vowel sound.

Pronunciation of "caltrop" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /kal.tʁɔp/

Pronunciation Variations: In French, "caltrop" maintains a similar pronunciation across different francophone regions, with variations primarily in the emphasis given to the syllables or the slight alteration of vowels depending on local accents.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The soldiers scattered caltrops on the road to slow down the advancing cavalry. (Les soldats ont dispersé des caltrops sur la route pour ralentir la cavalerie en progression.)
  2. Caltrops were used throughout history as an effective area denial weapon. (Les caltrops ont été utilisés tout au long de l'histoire comme une arme de déni de zone efficace.)
  3. Stepping on a caltrop can cause severe foot injuries. (Piétiner un caltrop peut causer des blessures graves au pied.)
  4. During the chase, the police deployed caltrops to puncture the suspect's tires. (Pendant la poursuite, la police a déployé des caltrops pour crever les pneus du suspect.)
  5. Medieval armies often employed caltrops as part of their defensive strategies. (Les armées médiévales utilisaient souvent des caltrops dans le cadre de leurs stratégies défensives.)
  6. The hiker discovered an old caltrop hidden in the grass. (Le randonneur a découvert un vieux caltrop caché dans l'herbe.)
  7. Modern adaptations of the caltrop are used by law enforcement to stop vehicles. (Des adaptations modernes du caltrop sont utilisées par les forces de l'ordre pour arrêter les véhicules.)
  8. Caltrops were strategically placed to protect the fortress entrances. (Les caltrops étaient placés stratégiquement pour protéger les entrées de la forteresse.)
  9. The use of caltrops can be traced back to Roman times. (L'utilisation de caltrops remonte à l'époque romaine.)
  10. Caltrops present a significant hazard to unprotected individuals and animals. (Les caltrops représentent un danger important pour les individus et les animaux non protégés.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "caltrop" in English

Synonyms: jack, spike, spike strip, road spike, anti-tire device, foot trap, foot spike, tetrapod.

Antonyms: -.

Similar Words: trap, obstacle, barrier, hazard.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "caltrop" in French

Synonyms: piège à loup, clou, chausse-trape, hérisson de route.

Antonyms: -.

Similar Words: obstacle, piège, barrière.

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