antiballistic missile
Học thuậtThân thiện
A defensive antiballistic missile launches from a silo to intercept a threat.
Definition
Noun: A defensive missile system specifically engineered to intercept and destroy incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) during their flight, typically before they can reach their intended targets.
Usage and Examples
- The nation invested heavily in developing a new antiballistic missile system to protect its major cities.
- Deploying an effective antiballistic missile shield is a complex technological and strategic challenge.
- The treaty restricted the number of antiballistic missile launchers each country could possess.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in discussions of national defense, nuclear deterrence, and arms control agreements. It is frequently abbreviated as ABM.
- Example: The ABM treaty was a landmark agreement during the Cold War.
Variants and Related Words
- ABM: The standard abbreviation for "antiballistic missile."
- Interceptor Missile: A more general term for a missile designed to destroy another missile or aircraft; an antiballistic missile is a specific type of interceptor.
- Missile Defense System: A broader term encompassing the entire network of radars, command centers, and interceptors (including antiballistic missiles) used to detect, track, and destroy incoming threats.
Synonyms
- Interceptor missile (in the specific context of ballistic missile defense)
- Defensive missile
Related Phrases and Terminology
- Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD): The overarching strategy and technology for countering ballistic missiles.
- Mid-course interception: The phase of flight where an antiballistic missile typically attempts to intercept an ICBM outside the Earth's atmosphere.
- Terminal phase defense: Defense that attempts to intercept a warhead in the final stage of its descent, often closer to the target.
A defensive antiballistic missile launches from a silo to intercept a threat.
Noun
- a defensive missile designed to shoot down incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles
- the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks placed limits on the deployment of ABMs