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bioterror

bioterror

3 8.6
An attack that uses germs or toxins to harm people and cause fear
  • noun
  • /ˌbaɪoʊˈtɛrər/
  • Offensive
translation icon : bioterrorismo
  • 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

bioterrorism
vsbioterror
  • Offensive
11 9.1

The use of germs, like viruses or bacteria, to harm people and scare them for political reasons

includes broader intentional harm or threats beyond political motives
biological attack
vsbioterror
  • NSFW
6 5.5

An attack using bacteria, viruses or poisons to harm people, animals and crops

emphasizes causing fear or disruption as well as physical harm
biological terrorism
vsbioterror
  • NSFW
1 8.4

To use bacteria or viruses as weapons to hurt people and cause fear

also includes threats and intentional disruption outside terrorism
bioattack
vsbioterror
  • NSFW
9.3

An event that uses bacteria, viruses, or toxins to harm people, animals and food

also covers the threat of such attacks and broader disruption
biologic attack
vsbioterror
  • NSFW
7.8

An attack using germs or poisons to harm people, animals and food supplies

is broader, including threats and intent to create fear or disruption

Surface Forms

bioterror singular
bioterrors plural

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.