Definition

Noun: 1. A weapon that is thrown, launched, or projected to hit a distant target: This refers to an object, such as a stone, spear, or modern projectile, that is forcefully sent toward a target. It is not self-propelled for the duration of its flight. 2. A self-propelled guided weapon system: This modern meaning refers to a rocket or jet-propelled vehicle, often with a guidance system, designed to deliver an explosive warhead (conventional or nuclear) over long distances.

Usage and Examples

• As a thrown or launched projectile:
  • In ancient times, soldiers used slings to hurl stones as simple missiles.
  • The catapult launched a heavy missile over the castle walls.
• As a modern guided weapon:
  • The navy ship fired a surface-to-air missile to intercept the enemy aircraft.
  • The treaty aimed to reduce the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Advanced Usage

• "Cruise missile": A low-flying, jet-powered guided missile designed for precision strikes.
  • Cruise missiles can fly at very low altitudes to avoid radar detection.
• "Ballistic missile": A missile that is powered and guided only in the initial phase of its flight, following a ballistic trajectory afterward.
  • The country conducted a test of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile.
• "Missile defense": Systems designed to detect and destroy incoming missiles.
  • Investing in missile defense is a national security priority.

Variants and Related Words

• Missilery / Missilry (noun): The science, technology, or use of missiles.
  • Advances in missilery have changed modern warfare.
• Missileman (noun): A person who designs, builds, or operates missiles.

Synonyms

• Projectile: An object propelled through the air, especially one thrown as a weapon or fired from a gun.
• Rocket: A cylindrical projectile that can be propelled to a great height or distance by the combustion of its contents, often used as a weapon or engine.
• Guidance system: (Not a direct synonym, but a key component) The electronic system that directs a missile to its target.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Missile gap: A perceived disparity in the missile capabilities between two nations, especially during the Cold War.
  • Politicians debated the existence of a missile gap with the rival superpower.
• Missile silo: A fortified underground structure for housing and launching a missile.
  • The decommissioned missile silo was converted into a museum.

Noun

1. a weapon that is forcibly thrown or projected at a targets but is not self-propelled
2. a rocket carrying a warhead of conventional or nuclear explosives; may be ballistic or directed by remote control