bomb-thrower

A soldier aims a bomb-thrower at a distant target.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who throws bombs: "bomb-thrower" refers to an individual who physically hurls explosive devices, typically in a context of warfare or terrorism.
   • A radical or disruptive person: In a figurative sense, "bomb-thrower" describes someone who deliberately introduces provocative, controversial, or disruptive ideas into a discussion or organization, often to cause chaos or force change.

Usage Examples

• Literal:
  • The bomb-thrower was arrested by security forces before he could attack the building. (A person who physically throws explosive devices.)
• Figurative:
  • During the meeting, she acted as a bomb-thrower, constantly interrupting with harsh criticisms. (A person who disrupts with provocative statements.)

Advanced Usage

• "Political bomb-thrower": a person who uses extreme or inflammatory rhetoric to destabilize political opponents.

  • The senator was known as a political bomb-thrower, often accusing rivals without evidence. (A disruptive political figure.)

• "to be a bomb-thrower in a debate": to intentionally introduce shocking or divisive points to derail rational discussion.

  • He played the role of a bomb-thrower in the negotiation, demanding impossible terms. (He disrupted the process deliberately.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bomb-throwing (adj): relating to the act or persona of a bomb-thrower.

  • His bomb-throwing style of leadership alienated many allies. (His disruptive approach.)

• Bomb-thrower (n, literal): also refers to a device designed to launch bombs, such as a mortar.

  • The soldiers used a bomb-thrower to launch explosives over the wall. (A mechanical launcher.)

Synonyms

• Troublemaker: someone who causes problems or unrest.
• Provocateur: a person who deliberately provokes others, often to expose or exploit conflict.
• Radical: a person who advocates extreme change, often through disruptive means.

Idioms and Fixed Expressions

• "to throw a bomb": to make a shocking or disruptive statement.

  • She threw a bomb at the board meeting by revealing the company's losses. (She made a startling revelation.)

• "bomb-thrower mentality": a mindset focused on causing upheaval rather than building consensus.

  • His bomb-thrower mentality made him unpopular in collaborative projects. (His disruptive attitude.)

Related Words (Compound Forms)

• Bomb-thrower is a compound noun. Related compounds include:
  • Bomb-maker: a person who assembles bombs.
  • Bomb-squad: a team that disarms explosive devices.