trip·wire / ˈtripˌwīr/ • n. a wire stretched close to the ground, working a trap, explosion, or alarm when disturbed and serving to detect or prevent people or animals entering an area. ∎  a comparatively weak military force employed as a first line of defense, engagement with which will trigger the intervention of strong forces.

Tripwire ★½ 1989 (R)

A vengeancecrazed government agent tracks down the terrorist who murdered his wife. 120m/C VHS . Terence Knox, David Warner, Charlotte Lewis, Isabella Hofmann, Yaphet Kotto, Thomas Chong, Meg Foster; D: James (Momel) Lemmo.