Definition

Noun: A fire ship is a weapon consisting of a ship loaded with combustible or explosive materials, deliberately set on fire and set adrift towards enemy vessels to destroy them.

Usage

A "fire ship" is a historical naval warfare tactic. It is used as a countable noun. * The admiral ordered the deployment of a fire ship to break the enemy's blockade. * Several fire ships were sent drifting toward the anchored fleet.

Examples

• The use of a fire ship at the Battle of Gravelines was a decisive factor.
• They converted an old vessel into a fire ship by packing it with tar and gunpowder.
• Defending against a fire ship required quick action to fend it off with poles or boats.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically to describe a person or thing sent into a situation to cause disruption or destruction.
  • The controversial new policy was a political fire ship sent into the debate.

Variants and Related Words

• Fireship: An alternative, often historical, spelling of "fire ship".
• Infernal machine: A broader term for a concealed explosive or destructive device.

Synonyms

• Incendiary vessel
• Brander (an archaic term)

Related Phrases

• To send in/launch a fire ship: To deploy this tactic or, metaphorically, to introduce a disruptive element.
  • The general decided to launch a fire ship under cover of darkness.

Noun

1. a weapon consisting of a ship carrying explosives that is set adrift to destroy enemy ships