caltrop
Spiked road hazard
A caltrop is a small metal device with four sharp points arranged so that one always faces upward when thrown on the ground.
Historically used to slow cavalry and infantry, caltrops now appear in military and police contexts to puncture vehicle tires.
The caltrop plant has spiny seed pods that work the same way: I stepped on a caltrop in the yard.
Obstacle blocking a path
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- deterrentThing that discourages action
- blockadeSealing off a place
obstruction · hindrance · puncture · tire · roadblock · chokepoint · hazard · trap
Of ancient Italy's capital
- legionGreat number, or soldiers
- chariotAncient horse-drawn fighter's vehicle
- siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
- ancientVery old indeed
battlefield · infantry · cavalry · empire · phalanx · fortification · cataphract · historical
Having four projections
- tetrahedralHaving four triangular sides
- spikedSecretly added alcohol
- prongedHaving pointed extensions
- pointedTapering to a tip
stellate · symmetrical · iron · metal · welded · forged · thrown · scattered
Explosive-laden territory
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
- anti-personnelDesigned to injure humans
- deploymentOrganized distribution of resources
area-denial · perimeter · checkpoint · guerrilla · skirmish · defensive · scattered · concealed
barricade
Obstacle blocking a path
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- deterrentThing that discourages action
blockade · obstruction · hindrance · puncture · tire · roadblock · chokepoint · hazard · trap · scattering
Roman
Of ancient Italy's capital
- legionGreat number, or soldiers
- chariotAncient horse-drawn fighter's vehicle
- siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
ancient · battlefield · infantry · cavalry · empire · phalanx · fortification · cataphract · historical · tactical
four-pointed
Having four projections
- tetrahedralHaving four triangular sides
- spikedSecretly added alcohol
- prongedHaving pointed extensions
pointed · stellate · symmetrical · iron · metal · welded · forged · thrown · scattered · ground-level
minefield
Explosive-laden territory
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
- anti-personnelDesigned to injure humans
deployment · area-denial · perimeter · checkpoint · guerrilla · skirmish · defensive · scattered · concealed · roadway
seed
Embryonic plant capsule
aquatic
Water-inhabiting
caltropsafe passage
Protected transit through danger
welcome mat · red carpet · clear path · bridge · ramp
caltropcushion
Stuffed fabric for comfort
padding · foam · carpet · soft ground
caltropsafe passage
Protected transit through danger
sanctuary · haven · shelter · protective gear · armor