Definition: A biological attack is when someoneusesharmful germs, likebacteriaor viruses, orpoisonoussubstances (toxins) to deliberatelyhurtorkillpeople, animals, orevendestroyfood supplies.
UsageInstructions:
Use "biological attack" when talkingabout a situation where harmfulbiologicalagentsareusedas weapons.
Thisterm is oftenused in discussionsaboutwarfare, terrorism, orpublichealth.
ExampleSentence:
The government is takingprecautions to prevent a biological attackonits citizens.
AdvancedUsage:
In discussionsaboutnationalsecurity, you mightheartermslike "bioterrorism," which is a form of biological attackaimedatcausingfearorharm to a population.
Word Variants:
Biological warfare: The use of biologicalagents in military conflicts.
Bioterrorism: The use of biologicalagentsbyindividualsorgroups to intimidateorcoercegovernmentsor societies.
Different Meanings:
While "biological attack" specificallyrefers to the use of harmfulgermsor toxins, the word "biological" can alsorelatemoregenerally to livingorganismsorlifeprocesses (e.g., biologicalresearch, biologicaldiversity).
Synonyms:
Germ warfare
Bioweapons
Biologicalterrorism
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
Thereare no specificidiomsorphrasalverbsdirectlyrelated to "biological attack." However, you mightencounterphraseslike "to launch an attack" or "to spreaddisease," which can be used in contextsrelated tobiological threats.
Noun
the use of bacteriaorvirusesortoxins to destroy men and animalsorfood