Petard: meaning, definitions and examples

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petard

 

[ pษชหˆtษ‘หrd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

bomb, explosive, firecracker

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น petardo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคŸเคพเค–เคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Bรถller

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ petasan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะตั‚ะฐั€ะดะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ petarda

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ˆ†็ซน

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท petard

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ petardo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท petard

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํญ์ฃฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูุฑู‚ุนุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ petarda

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ petarda

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้žญ็‚ฎ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ petarda

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ smellur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะตั‚ะฐั€ะดะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒ”แƒขแƒแƒ แƒ“แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ petard

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ petardo

Word origin

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,865, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.