spring-loaded

jack-in-the-box

Spring-loaded surprise toy

• unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
• suddenOccurring without prior notice
• joltAbrupt forceful shake

startle · pop-up · prank · gag · novelty · trick · whoopee · jumping · popping · bursting

trap

Device for catching animals

• snareDevice for catching prey
• activateCause to function
• releaseTo let go

engage · fire · discharge · launch · eject · deploy · trip · setoff · arm · trigger

coil

Wound circular arrangement

• torsionRotational strain force
• compressionForcing into smaller space
• recoilBackward force from discharge

actuator · lever · piston · cam · gear · pin · sear · bolt · hinge · ratchet

stress

Pressure, mental or vocal

• strainExcessive stretching force
• elasticityTendency to resume original form
• torqueRotational force measurement

force · pressure · stiffness · tensile · resilience · preload · potential · taut · wound · compressed

reactive

Tending to respond

• sensitiveEasily affected emotionally
• compliantYielding to others' wishes
• yieldingBending under pressure

elastic · resilient · self-closing · dampened · cushioned · adjustable · variable · calibrated · tuned · balanced

latch

Door-securing catch

• clampDevice for holding tight
• buckleFrame-and-prong fastener
• snapSudden sharp sound

hook · catch · lock · clip · pin · connector · coupler · hasp · clasp · retainer

• mechanicalhydraulic, pneumatic, motorized, belt-driven, chain-driven
• toy featuressoft, cuddly, squeaky, colorful, plush
• technical adjectivesadjustable, modular, portable, durable, automated
• toy mechanismswind-up, flywheel, gears, pulleys, levers
• unpoweredhand tools, manual, hand-operated, human-powered, hand crank
• manual controlsmanual, hand-operated, lever, handle, button