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Glite Dictionary
package bomb

package bomb

1 5.6
A hidden device that explodes when someone opens a box or envelope
  • noun
  • Offensive
translation icon : paquete bomba
  • The police discovered a package bomb at the airport.
  • killed by a package bomb

Examples

  • Authorities warned the public after a package bomb injured two people in a residential neighborhood.

  • Police discovered a package bomb on the steps of the embassy before it could be opened.

  • The package bomb was disguised to look like a normal delivery.

  • Several package bombs were sent to government officials.

  • The police discovered a package bomb at the delivery center, prompting an evacuation of the area.

  • After the package bomb was intercepted, authorities conducted a controlled detonation to ensure safety.

  • Investigators found evidence of a package bomb in the mailbox, leading to a swift response from bomb disposal units.

Synonyms

letter bomb
vspackage bomb
  • Offensive
1 7.8

A small bomb hidden in an envelope that explodes when opened

is the same meaning but uses a more general term for mailed items
parcel bomb
vspackage bomb
  • NSFW
5.9

An explosive hidden inside a package or envelope that explodes when opened

is the same meaning but uses a more general term for mailed items

How Dangerous

car bomb
  • Offensive
39 5.0
improvised explosive device
  • Offensive
7 5.6
package bomb
  • Offensive
1 5.6
explosive device
  • Specialized
40 4.1
device
∞ 2.1

Surface Forms

package bomb singular
package bombs plural

Morphology

package + bomb

The meaning 'an explosive device concealed in a package' is directly and compositionally derivable from 'package' (a parcel) + 'bomb' (an explosive device): it denotes a bomb associated with or hidden in a package. This modifier+head compound follows a common, cross-linguistic pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituent words will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The noun package bomb comes from the simple image of a bomb hidden inside a normal package or envelope. Because the danger is hidden until the parcel is opened, the term means 'an explosive device concealed in a package or envelope'.