petrol bomb
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A simple, hand-thrown explosive device. It consists of a glass bottle filled with a flammable liquid, such as gasoline (petrol). A cloth rag, acting as a wick, is stuffed into the bottle's neck. The wick is lit before the device is thrown, causing the bottle to break and the fuel to ignite upon impact.
Usage
The term "petrol bomb" is used to describe this specific type of improvised incendiary weapon. It is often associated with acts of protest, rioting, or guerrilla warfare due to its simple and cheap construction.
Examples
- Protesters were seen throwing petrol bombs at the police line.
- The soldiers taught us how to make a crude petrol bomb for defense.
- The vehicle was set ablaze by a petrol bomb.
Advanced Usage
- "To petrol-bomb" (verb, rare/derived): The act of attacking something with a petrol bomb.
- The mob threatened to petrol-bomb the building.
Variants and Related Words
- Molotov cocktail: This is the most common synonym and the standard term in many contexts, originating from historical conflicts.
- Incendiary device: A broader, more formal term for any weapon designed to start fires.
- Firebomb: A general term for any explosive device intended to cause a fire.
Synonyms
- Molotov cocktail
- Firebomb (in this specific context)
- Improvised incendiary device
Related Phrases
- To lob a petrol bomb: To throw a petrol bomb in a high arc.
- Rioters lobbed petrol bombs over the barricade.
- Petrol bomb attack: A phrase used to describe an incident involving the use of such devices.
- The embassy survived a petrol bomb attack last night.
Noun
- a crude incendiary bomb made of a bottle filled with flammable liquid and fitted with a rag wick