trip

A journey to another place, usually followed by a return home.

• We enjoyed our trip.
• She took a business trip to London.
• How many trips did you make last year?

How to use it: a trip to somewhere (We are planning a trip to Rome.); go on a trip (Our class went on a trip last week.)

Similar words: journey, excursion

Common phrases: business trip, school trip, trip to somewhere

A short journey to do something, such as shop or collect someone.

• I made a quick trip to the shop.
• We need another trip to the supermarket.
• His daily trips to the post office keep him busy.

How to use it: a trip to somewhere (I need to make a trip to the bank.)

Similar words: outing, errand

Common phrases: shopping trip, quick trip, trip to somewhere

An accident in which your foot catches something and you lose your balance.

• A trip on the stairs hurt my ankle.
• The loose carpet caused a nasty trip.
• Most trips and falls happen when people are distracted.

Similar words: stumble, misstep

Common phrases: a nasty trip, trip and fall

An action that makes someone lose their balance, especially by blocking or moving their feet.

• The referee spotted an illegal trip.
• She used a quick trip to bring her opponent down.
• His trip sent the other wrestler to the mat.

Common phrases: leg trip, illegal trip, wrestling trip

To catch your foot on something and lose your balance or fall.

• Be careful or you will trip.
• She tripped over a toy and fell.
• Have you ever tripped on these steps?

How to use it: trip over something (He tripped over a bag in the hallway.); trip on something (I tripped on a loose paving stone.)

Similar words: stumble

Common phrases: trip over something, trip on something

To make a switch, trap, or other device start working.

• The movement tripped the alarm.
• Too many appliances can trip the circuit breaker.
• A hidden wire trips the trap when someone steps on it.

Similar words: activate, trigger, set off

Common phrases: trip a switch, trip an alarm, trip a trap