Phrase guide

attractive nuisance

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

In the legal area of torts, a hazardous object or condition that is likely to attract children who are unable to appreciate the risk posed by the object or condition, and to whom the landowner can therefore be held liable for injuries.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: law

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

anything on your premises that might attract children into danger or harm

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • their swimming pool is an attractive nuisance; they should fence it in

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: nuisance

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.