antipersonnel device

1 8.1

A weapon made to injure or kill people rather than damage machines

noun
/ˌæntiˈpɜrsənəl dɪˈvaɪs/

NSFW

: dispositivo antipersonal

Many humanitarian groups have called for a global ban on antipersonnel devices.

Examples

Many countries have banned the use of antipersonnel devices.
Engineers are working to develop better detection methods for antipersonnel devices.
The country banned the deployment of antipersonnel devices under international law.
The military deployed an antipersonnel device in the conflict zone.
The military used various antipersonnel devices to secure the area during the operation.
Troops were advised to avoid any antipersonnel devices left behind during the conflict.
The report highlighted the dangers of antipersonnel devices in civilian areas after the war.

Synonyms

antipersonnel bomb

vsantipersonnel device

NSFW

1 8.2

An explosive that sends many small fast pieces to hurt people

is broader and covers any weapon aimed at harming people not equipment or vehicles

How Dangerous

antipersonnel device

NSFW

1 8.1

explosive device

Specialized

44 4.1

ammunition

167 5.3

blank

Specialized

32 7.2

Surface Forms

antipersonnel device singular

antipersonnel devices plural

Morphology

antipersonnel + device

The phrase is fully compositional: 'antipersonnel' (intended to harm people) modifies 'device' (a manufactured item), so the meaning 'a device designed to injure or kill people' is directly derivable from the parts. The prefix 'anti-' plus 'personnel' makes the function of the device explicit and similar constructions exist across many languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will understand it.

Etymology

The compound noun antipersonnel device literally joins anti ('against'), personnel ('people') and device ('tool' or 'weapon'), so it paints a clear image of a tool made to hurt people. That's why it means a weapon designed to injure or kill people rather than to damage equipment.