loophole
UK: ˈluːp.həʊl | US: ˈluːp.hoʊl
n. 1. An ambiguity or inadequacy in a system or law that allows evasion of a rule or obligation.
n. 2. A narrow vertical opening in a wall (originally for shooting arrows or light).
The word "loophole" originated in the late 16th century, combining "loop" (from Middle Dutch lupen, meaning "to peer") and "hole." Initially, it referred to a narrow vertical slit in castle walls for archers to shoot through. Over time, the term evolved metaphorically to describe gaps or ambiguities in laws or systems that allow evasion. The shift from a physical opening to an abstract "escape route" reflects the word's logical progression in English usage.
The lawyer found a legal loophole to avoid the tax penalty.
Medieval castles had loopholes for defenders to shoot arrows safely.
The contract's vague wording created a loophole for exploitation.
Activists demanded the government close loopholes in environmental regulations.
He exploited a technical loophole to bypass the software's security measures.