improvised explosive device
7
5.6
- noun
- /ˈɪmprəˌvaɪzd ɪkˈspləʊsɪv dɪˈvaɪs/
- Offensive
:
artefacto explosivo improvisado
- They receive cash for placing improvised explosive devices along the roadside.
- improvised explosive device (IED)
- use of improvised explosive devices
His job was to disarm improvised explosive devices.
- His job was to disarm improvised explosive devices.
Examples
-
On June 6, an improvised explosive device exploded outside the U.S. consulate.
Blog text (11) -
Their weapon of choice: the improvised explosive device, or IED.
Blog text (29) -
An improvised explosive device detonated during a routine search in a local village.
-
Many injured soldiers take shrapnel in their eyes from improvised explosive devices.
Academic text (2011) -
You have experience dismantling improvised explosive devices in Iraq.
-
How do civilians act after the detonation of an improvised explosive device?
Academic text (2007) -
The current enemy has become clever, especially with the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which create extensive tissue damage and resulting pain.
Academic text (2007) -
New tactics imported from Iraq, such as suicide bombings and the use of improvised explosive devices, became commonplace in Afghanistan.
Academic text (2007) -
Hamas defenses included improvised explosive devices (IEDs), booby traps, and mines.
Academic text (2015) -
An improvised explosive device exploded while the soldiers were on patrol.
Synonyms
An explosive device made and used in a simple, unofficial way by fighters or terrorists
How Dangerous
- Offensive
39
5.0
- Offensive
7
5.6
- Offensive
1
5.6
- Specialized
40
4.1
∞
2.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
improvised + explosive + device
The phrase is a straightforward composition of 'improvised' (made ad hoc), 'explosive' (capable of exploding) and 'device' (a manufactured item), so its meaning — an explosive device made or assembled from readily available materials — is directly derivable from the parts. This adjective+noun+noun pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will likely understand it.
Etymology
Improvised explosive device comes from the literal idea of a 'bomb' that is improvised—built quickly from everyday parts—while explosive device simply means 'bomb'. That's why the phrase refers to a 'homemade' or 'makeshift' bomb not made by the military.