Definition

1. 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

1. a bomb that explodes at a preset depth under water; antisubmarine device