'trapdoor' originates from Middle English, specifically the words 'trappe' and 'dore', where 'trappe' meant 'snare' and 'dore' meant 'door'.

'trappe' and 'dore' combined in Middle English to form 'trapdoor', eventually becoming the modern English word 'trapdoor'.

Initially, it meant 'a door that acts as a snare', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a hinged or removable panel'.