depth-bomb
Definition
Noun: A depth-bomb (also known as a depth charge) is an explosive device designed to be dropped from a ship or aircraft into water, where it detonates at a preset depth to destroy submarines.
Usage Examples
Advanced Usage
"to drop a depth-bomb": to release a depth-bomb in a specific location.
- The captain ordered the crew to drop a depth-bomb over the suspected area. (They released the explosive device.)
"depth-bomb pattern": a tactical arrangement of multiple depth-bombs to cover a wider area.
- The destroyer laid a depth-bomb pattern to maximize the chance of hitting the submarine. (They deployed several bombs in a planned formation.)
Variants and Related Words
Depth charge (n): a synonym for depth-bomb, more commonly used in modern contexts.
- The submarine evaded the depth charge by diving deeper. (The explosive device.)
Depth-bombing (n): the act of attacking with depth-bombs.
- Depth-bombing was a dangerous but essential tactic in anti-submarine warfare. (The action of using depth-bombs.)
Synonyms
- Depth charge: an explosive device used against submarines.
- Underwater bomb: a general term for explosives designed to detonate in water.
Related Idioms
- "Dropping a depth-bomb" (figurative, informal): to reveal shocking or devastating news suddenly.
- He dropped a depth-bomb on the meeting when he announced the company's bankruptcy. (He surprised everyone with shocking information.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Depth-bomb away (informal, military slang): to release depth-bombs.
- The pilot shouted "Depth-bomb away!" as the explosives left the aircraft. (The command to release the bombs.)