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Glite Dictionary
vacuum bomb

vacuum bomb

8.2
A weapon that spreads fuel into the air and then sets it on fire, causing a very large blast
  • noun
  • /ˈvæk.juːm bɑm/
  • NSFW
translation icon : bomba de vacío
  • A vacuum bomb creates a deadly blast wave by dispersing and igniting fuel in the air.

Examples

  • Experts warn that the effects of a vacuum bomb can be more devastating than conventional explosives.

  • The military deployed a vacuum bomb during the operation.

  • The military was accused of using a vacuum bomb in the conflict zone, causing widespread damage.

  • Have you heard about the vacuum bomb technology?

  • A vacuum bomb ignites fuel in the air to create a powerful blast that devastates the surrounding area.

  • Experts discuss the dangerous potential of a vacuum bomb due to its ability to produce a strong shockwave.

  • The use of a vacuum bomb has raised international concerns about its destructive effects in urban environments.

Synonyms

bomb
vsvacuum bomb
∞ 1.8

A container with explosive material that makes a large explosion and damages things

is a specialized form that disperses fuel and creates low air pressure before ignition
explosive device
vsvacuum bomb
  • Specialized
40 4.1

An object made to burst violently and cause damage

is a specific type that creates low air pressure and ignites dispersed fuel
fuel-air explosive
vsvacuum bomb
  • Specialized
1 7.3

A weapon that sprays fuel into the air and then sets it on fire to make a very strong blast

relies on low air pressure before ignition to boost blast rather than mere dispersal
fuel-air bomb
vsvacuum bomb
  • Specialized
1 8.4

A bomb that spreads fuel into the air and then explodes to make a very large blast

creates low air pressure before ignition to amplify blast rather than just dispersing fuel
volume-detonation bomb
vsvacuum bomb
  • Specialized
9.8

A bomb that spreads fuel into the air and then sets it on fire to make a very large explosion

emphasizes creating a low pressure area before ignition rather than only dispersal
thermobaric bomb
vsvacuum bomb
  • NSFW
9.9

A bomb that spreads fuel and ignites to make a very hot, powerful blast

focuses on forming low air pressure before ignition rather than mainly heat production
aerosol bomb
vsvacuum bomb
  • NSFW
8.2

A weapon that sprays flammable liquid into the air then sets it on fire to make a large explosion

relies on creating low air pressure before ignition rather than only aerosol mixing

Surface Forms

vacuum bomb singular
vacuum bombs plural

Morphology

vacuum + bomb

The compound is a direct composition of 'vacuum' (an empty space lacking air) and 'bomb' (an explosive device), so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a type of bomb that involves a vacuum or the removal/manipulation of air. Although the precise technical mechanism (fuel‑air/thermobaric effect) is specialized, the core concept is compositional and not idiomatic, making it accessible to B1 learners.

Etymology

Vacuum bomb gets its name from how it works. The bomb spreads fuel into the air and, when it burns, the explosion briefly creates a vacuum or 'empty space' that pulls air back in and causes a stronger 'blast', so the name tells you it makes a very powerful, damaging explosion.