Petard Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
💥
petard
petard
Definition
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 'pétard', 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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Quick facts about “petard”
Petard is a 1-syllable noun. It is pronounced /ˈpɛtɝd/ in American English and /pˈɛtɑːd/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 3 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #36,865 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'petard'
The word 'petard' traces back to the early 16th century, originally from the French word 'pétard', which itself is derived from 'pète', 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.