depth charge
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An explosive naval weapon: A depth charge is a type of bomb designed to be dropped from a ship or aircraft and detonate at a predetermined depth underwater, primarily to destroy submerged submarines.
Usage
- The term "depth charge" is used as a countable noun. It refers specifically to the physical anti-submarine weapon.
- It is typically used in military, historical, and naval contexts.
Examples
- Noun:
- The destroyer deployed several depth charges in an attempt to sink the enemy U-boat.
- The effectiveness of a depth charge depends on accurate estimation of the submarine's position.
Advanced Usage
- "To drop/depth charges": This is the standard verb phrase used with this noun.
- The patrol aircraft was ordered to drop depth charges on the suspected submarine contact.
Variants and Related Words
- Depth bomb: A less common synonym for depth charge.
- Anti-submarine weapon (ASW): A broader category of naval ordnance that includes depth charges.
Synonyms
- Anti-submarine charge
- Depth bomb
Related Phrases
- Pattern of depth charges: Refers to a specific tactical arrangement of multiple charges dropped simultaneously to increase the probability of a hit.
- The captain ordered a full pattern of depth charges to be launched.
Noun
- a bomb that explodes at a preset depth under water; antisubmarine device