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Torpedo: meaning, definitions and examples

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torpedo

 

[ tษ”หrหˆpiหdษ™สŠ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

naval weapon

A torpedo is a self-propelled underwater missile designed to destroy submarines or surface ships. Typically, it is launched from submarines, ships, or aircraft. Torpedoes travel through the water and detonate upon contact or proximity to the target. They are used primarily in naval warfare and can vary in size, speed, and explosive power. The development of torpedoes revolutionized naval combat in the 19th century.

Synonyms

explosive, missile, weapon

Examples of usage

  • The submarine launched a torpedo towards the enemy ship.
  • Torpedoes are essential in modern naval strategies.
  • The historical use of torpedoes changed maritime warfare.
Context #2 | Verb

attack strategy

To torpedo means to attack or obstruct something in a sudden or secretive manner. This term is often used metaphorically to describe undermining efforts, plans, or negotiations. For example, one may say that someone 'torpedoed' a proposal to indicate that their actions or words effectively destroyed its chances of success. The usage of the verb emphasizes a deliberate and often covert action.

Synonyms

disrupt, sabotage, undermine

Examples of usage

  • She tried to torpedo the negotiation with her comments.
  • The politician attempted to torpedo his rival's campaign.
  • They planned to torpedo the project with their objections.

Translations

Translations of the word "torpedo" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น torpedo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคŸเฅ‰เคฐเคชเฅ€เคกเฅ‹

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Torpedo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ torpedo

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะพั€ะฟะตะดะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ torpeda

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ญš้›ท

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท torpille

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ torpedo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท torpido

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์–ด๋ขฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุทูˆุฑุจูŠุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ torpรฉdo

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ torpรฉdo

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ฑผ้›ท

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ torpedo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ torpedo

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะพั€ะฟะตะดะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒแƒ แƒžแƒ”แƒ“แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ torpedo

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ torpedo

Etymology

The term 'torpedo' originates from the Latin word 'torpere', which means 'to be stiff or numb'. The application of the word in a naval context began in the early 19th century when the first explosive projectiles were developed for underwater warfare. The first modern torpedoes were created by inventors such as Robert Whitehead in the late 1800s. Their design was initially based on the concept of a self-propelled device, transforming maritime conflict entirely. Over the years, the technology evolved, integrating guidance systems and advanced explosive materials, making torpedoes more effective in targeted destruction. The word has since expanded in usage, now encompassing both physical weapons and metaphorical actions aimed at sabotage or obstruction in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,289, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.