bioterror
- noun
- /ˌbaɪoʊˈtɛrər/
- Offensive
- Emergency crews in southern Idaho are testing how quickly they would be able to respond to a potential bioterror attack.
- bioterror attack
- bioterror threat
- bioterror weapon
Examples
-
Although some of the study's recommendations included widely supported ideas such as ways to improve U.S. responses to a potential bioterror attack, the report also used 9/11 to push for defense programs that would have little or no impact on preventing the sort of attacks perpetrated in New York and Washington, such as deploying a national missile defense system.
Blog text (6) -
But hospitals are unprepared for the flood of patients a bioterror attack would create.
-
Bioterror drill, Charlotte, North Carolina, September 30, 2002.
Academic text (2005) -
There's no evidence that there was a plot of genocide or bioterror in the intentional use of disease as a means to clear the land and resettled it.
-
The attacks opened Americans' eyes to the dangers of bioterror.
Synonyms
The use of germs, like viruses or bacteria, to harm people and scare them for political reasons
An attack using bacteria, viruses or poisons to harm people, animals and crops
To use bacteria or viruses as weapons to hurt people and cause fear
An event that uses bacteria, viruses, or toxins to harm people, animals and food
An attack using germs or poisons to harm people, animals and food supplies
Surface Forms
Etymology
Bioterror joins bio- (meaning 'life', as in biology) and terror (meaning 'fear' or 'great danger'). It gives a clear image of using things from living things to frighten or harm people. That's why bioterror means the use or threat of biological agents to cause harm, fear, or disruption.