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Grenades Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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grenades

[ษกrษ™หˆneษชdz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

explosive devices

Grenades are explosive devices that are thrown by hand and typically used as weapons. They can be used in military combat, law enforcement operations, or for recreational purposes such as airsoft or paintball.

Synonyms

bombs, explosives, shells.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grenades

Used to refer to small, hand-thrown explosives that are commonly used in military or tactical situations.

  • The soldiers trained with grenades to prepare for combat scenarios.
  • He pulled the pin on the grenade and threw it toward the enemy bunker.
bombs

Used to describe devices intended to cause destruction, often larger and more powerful than grenades, and can be dropped from aircraft or planted in various places.

  • The air force dropped bombs on the enemy's ammunition depot.
  • Homemade bombs were used during the attack.
explosives

A general term for substances or devices designed to cause explosions; often used in mining, demolition, or military operations.

  • The demolition team used explosives to bring down the old building.
  • They discovered a cache of explosives in the suspect's hideout.
shells

Usually refers to artillery ammunition that is fired from large guns or cannons, typically used in military contexts.

  • The artillery unit fired shells at the advancing enemy troops.
  • The battlefield was littered with spent shells after the intense fighting.

Examples of usage

  • Soldiers threw grenades to clear out enemy positions.
  • The police used tear gas grenades to disperse the crowd.
  • Players in the airsoft game carried smoke grenades for tactical advantage.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Military History

  • Grenades were first used in warfare in the 15th century, gaining popularity during the early modern period.
  • World War I saw the development of more sophisticated hand grenades, making them a standard part of infantry equipment.
  • The stick grenade, popularized during World War I, became a symbol of trench warfare.

Science and Technology

  • Modern grenades can contain various types of explosives, including high explosives for blasts or smoke for signaling.
  • They are designed to disperse shrapnel to maximize their destructive power in combat situations.
  • Some new grenades are equipped with electronic timers, allowing for remote detonation.

Pop Culture

  • Grenades appear frequently in action films, often used heroically or dramatically to illustrate danger.
  • Many video games feature grenades as essential weapons, allowing players to use tactical strategies.
  • The iconic image of a grenade with a pin pulled has become a symbol of rebellion in some music and art movements.

Psychology

  • The sound of a grenade explosion can invoke intense fear or adrenaline in individuals, affecting their mental state.
  • Post-traumatic stress can result from exposure to grenades in combat, influencing the psychological health of veterans.
  • Studies show that the use of grenades in warfare impacts not only soldiers but also civilian populations, creating trauma in communities.

Origin of 'grenades'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French word 'grenade', meaning 'pomegranate', due to the round shape and the seeds inside resembling the explosion.
  • In the 16th century, the term was used to describe a type of explosive device that was thrown like a fruit.
  • The transition from fruit to military use highlights how language evolves based on societal needs.

The word 'grenade' originated from the French word 'grenade' meaning pomegranate, due to the resemblance of early grenades to the shape of the fruit. Grenades have been used in warfare for centuries, evolving from simple explosive containers to more sophisticated designs. They play a significant role in modern military tactics and are a symbol of both destruction and tactical advantage.

See also: grenade.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,394, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.