briefcase bomb

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Definition

Noun: A portable explosive device concealed within a briefcase, designed to detonate after a set time or by remote control.

Usage

This term is used to describe a specific type of concealed explosive weapon. It is a compound noun where "briefcase" describes the container and "bomb" describes the device.

Examples
  • Security personnel are trained to identify the potential threat of a briefcase bomb in crowded areas.
  • The plot involved placing a briefcase bomb in the central train station.
  • The forensic team confirmed the device was a sophisticated briefcase bomb with a cellular trigger.
Advanced Usage
  • The term is almost exclusively used in contexts related to security, terrorism, espionage, and law enforcement.
  • It can be used metaphorically in very informal contexts to describe a sudden, disruptive piece of information or a looming major problem, though this is not standard. (e.g., )
Variants and Related Words
  • Suitcase bomb: A very similar device concealed in a suitcase instead of a briefcase.
  • Improvised Explosive Device (IED): The broader technical category for such homemade bombs.
  • Time bomb: A bomb designed to explode at a preset time, which could be a component of a briefcase bomb.
  • Concealed explosive: A more general descriptive term.
Synonyms
  • Concealed explosive device
  • Portable IED (when referring to its technical class)
Related Phrases
  • To plant a briefcase bomb: The act of secretly placing the device.
    • The agent was arrested while attempting to plant a briefcase bomb.
  • Briefcase bomb threat: A warning or claim that such a device has been placed.
    • The building was evacuated due to a briefcase bomb threat.
Noun
  1. a bomb consisting of an explosive and timer hidden inside a briefcase