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忍び返し (しのびがえし) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun
wall-top spikes ; anti-intruder spikes
Refers to sharp spikes (often bamboo, wood, or iron) placed along the top of walls or fences to prevent thieves or intruders from climbing over. A traditional security feature.
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Wall-top spikes were used as a deterrent against thieves.
Written forms 忍しの び 返がえ し Usage 75%
忍しのび 返がえ し Usage 25%
Variant spelling without okurigana.
Kanji 忍 endure, bear, put up with Similar words 剣けん 山ざん 剣山 is a spiked frog for flower arranging, while 忍び返し is specifically for wall-top security.
防ぼう 犯はん 防犯 is a general term for crime prevention; 忍び返し is a specific physical device.
Etymology Compound of 忍び (しのび, 'sneaking; stealth') + 返し (がえし, 'returning; repelling'), literally 'repelling sneaking'. The spelling reflects its function of turning away stealthy intruders.