Petard: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฅ
petard
[ pษชหtษหrd ]
explosive device
A petard is a small explosive device that is often used in military or engineering applications. It is typically cylindrical in shape and is designed to produce an explosive blast or loud noise. Historically, petards were used to blow open doors or gates during sieges. The term is derived from the French word 'pรฉtard', meaning a small firecracker. While petards were once common in warfare, their usage has significantly declined with the advancement of modern explosives.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The soldiers set a petard to breach the enemy's fortification.
- A petard was detonated to create a distraction during the operation.
- Engineers used a petard to demolish the old structure.
- He was fascinated by the history of petards in military tactics.
Translations
Translations of the word "petard" in other languages:
๐ต๐น petardo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเคเคพเคเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Bรถller
๐ฎ๐ฉ petasan
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะตัะฐัะดะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ petarda
๐ฏ๐ต ็็ซน
๐ซ๐ท petard
๐ช๐ธ petardo
๐น๐ท petard
๐ฐ๐ท ํญ์ฃฝ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ูุฑูุนุงุช
๐จ๐ฟ petarda
๐ธ๐ฐ petarda
๐จ๐ณ ้ญ็ฎ
๐ธ๐ฎ petarda
๐ฎ๐ธ smellur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฟะตัะฐัะดะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแแ แแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ petard
๐ฒ๐ฝ petardo
Etymology
The word 'petard' traces back to the early 16th century, originally from the French word 'pรฉtard', which itself is derived from 'pรจte', meaning 'to break wind' or 'fart'. The reference to sound is evident in its use, as the petard creates a loud explosion when detonated. The term was initially applied to a type of firecracker before evolving into a military term for small explosives used for breaching barriers. This evolution reflects the historical context in which gunpowder and explosives became integral to warfare strategies in Europe. The phrase 'hoist with one's own petard' originated from Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet', illustrating the idea of being harmed by one's own plan, much like a petard exploding prematurely could harm the user.