contact mine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Military/Technical
Quick answer
What does “contact mine” mean?
A naval or land mine that explodes upon direct physical contact or close proximity of a target.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A naval or land mine that explodes upon direct physical contact or close proximity of a target.
A passive, concealed explosive device designed to detonate when a person, vehicle, or vessel touches it or comes very near. In metaphorical use, it can refer to a sensitive or volatile subject or situation that triggers a strong negative reaction when encountered.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or definitional differences. Spelling conventions (e.g., 'defence' vs. 'defense' in surrounding text) apply.
Connotations
Primarily military/defence connotations in both variants. In extended, metaphorical use, the connotations are identical.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard within military/defence contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “contact mine” in a Sentence
lay/plant/place a contact mine (in/off/on)sweep for/clear contact mines (from)detonate/strike/hit a contact minea contact mine explodes/detonates (on contact)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contact mine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Metaphorically for a highly sensitive issue in negotiations (e.g., 'Salary is a contact mine in these talks.').
Academic
Used in historical, military studies, or engineering contexts discussing warfare technology.
Everyday
Very rare. Only in discussions of history, news about war, or metaphorical use for personal conflicts.
Technical
Standard term in military, naval engineering, and demining/humanitarian ordnance disposal contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contact mine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “contact mine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contact mine”
- Using 'contact mine' to refer to a person's phone number or details (confusion with 'contact info').
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'contacts mines' (should be 'contact mines').
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I'll contact mine the manager' – nonsense).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Landmine' is a broader category for ground-based mines. A 'contact mine' can be a type of landmine (if it detonates on step or pressure) or, more commonly, a naval mine. The key is the trigger mechanism (contact), not the location.
Rarely in its literal sense unless discussing military history or news. It is occasionally used as a vivid metaphor for a sensitive topic that will cause an immediate and explosive argument if touched upon.
A contact mine requires physical bumping or touching. An influence mine (e.g., magnetic, acoustic, pressure) detonates in response to the target's field or signature (like a ship's magnetism or sound) without direct contact.
Primary stress is on the first syllable of 'contact' (/ˈkɒn.tækt/ or /ˈkɑːn.tækt/). Secondary stress is on 'mine' (/ˌmaɪn/). It's a compound noun where the first element carries the main stress.
A naval or land mine that explodes upon direct physical contact or close proximity of a target.
Contact mine is usually military/technical in register.
Contact mine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.tækt ˌmaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.tækt ˌmaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] That topic is a real contact mine – bring it up and the meeting will blow up.”
- “Tread carefully; you're entering a conversational contact minefield.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a mine (explosive) that waits for CONTACT – like a sea mine that goes BOOM when a ship touches it. CONTACT = BOOM.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PROBLEM IS AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE; TRIGGERING A PROBLEM IS DETONATING A MINE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining characteristic of a contact mine?