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torpedo

torpedo

1 6.7
A small explosive used to make a loud bang to warn people
  • noun
  • /tɔrˈpiːdoʊ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : petardo
  • The children set off a torpedo during the Fourth of July celebration, causing everyone to cheer.

Examples

  • The safety alarm was triggered when a torpedo exploded in the oil well, warning workers to evacuate.

  • At the festival, vendors sold colorful torpedoes that popped loudly when thrown onto the ground.

  • Loose torpedo number two.

  • Loose torpedo number two.

  • I bent down and picked up an inch-long torpedo of plastic used to package crack cocaine.

    Fiction book (2002)

Synonyms

firecracker
vstorpedo
51 2.6

A small explosive paper tube that makes a loud bang when you light it

is used also as a warning or to trigger an action
explosive device
vstorpedo
  • Specialized
40 4.1

An object made to burst violently and cause damage

focuses on noisy or warning explosions rather than destructive military use

Idioms

To ruin their chances of success

Compounds

torpedo tube
  • Specialized
4 7.0

A tube in a warship or submarine that fires a torpedo

torpedo boat
  • Specialized
1 6.3

A small fast military boat that fires underwater bombs near the coast

aerial torpedo
  • Specialized
1 9.1

A weapon released from a plane that moves under water to hit ships or submarines

bangalore torpedo
  • Specialized
9.6

A long metal tube filled with explosives used to make a safe path through barbed wire or mines

8.1

A small fast navy boat that carries torpedoes to attack ships

heavy torpedo
  • Specialized
8.3

A large underwater weapon launched from submarines with a very powerful warhead to sink big ships

heavyweight torpedo
  • Specialized
7.9

A large underwater weapon with a very powerful explosive charge that submarines use to attack ships

homing torpedo
  • Specialized
8.8

A weapon that finds and follows an enemy ship or submarine using sound

A small navy ship that protects larger ships by attacking fast boats with torpedoes

submarine torpedo
  • Specialized
5.6

A long underwater weapon fired by a submarine to hit ships

wire-guided torpedo
  • Specialized
8.6

An underwater weapon that moves by itself and is steered by a wire from the ship that fired it

How Loud

bomb
1.8
to shell
27 7.9
torpedo
  • Archaic
1 6.7
firecracker
51 2.6
cap
39 7.3

Surface Forms

torpedo singular
torpedos plural

Etymology

Torpedo for a small explosive takes its name from the same idea of a sudden shock; like the weapon and the fish, this little device gives a loud bang or shock to warn or startle people.