stink-ball

A soldier throws a stink-ball into the enemy trench.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of hand-thrown chemical bomb: "stink-ball" refers to a small explosive or noxious device designed to produce a foul odor, historically used as a weapon or for crowd control, also known as a "stinkpot."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The soldiers used a stink-ball to disperse the crowd with its unbearable smell. (A hand-thrown bomb that emits a stench.)
  • During the protest, someone threw a stink-ball into the square, causing people to flee. (A noxious chemical weapon.)

Advanced Usage

• "to hurl a stink-ball": to throw a stink-ball as an act of aggression or disruption.

  • The rioters hurled a stink-ball at the police line. (They threw a foul-smelling bomb.)

• "stink-ball tactics": strategies involving the use of such devices for psychological or physical effect.

  • The army employed stink-ball tactics to clear the area without lethal force. (Using stench bombs for non-lethal crowd control.)

Variants and Related Words

• Stinkpot (n): another term for a stink-ball; also a container emitting a bad odor.

  • The old ship carried a stinkpot to repel pirates. (A device that releases foul smells.)

• Stink bomb (n): a similar device that produces a bad smell, often used in pranks.

  • He set off a stink bomb in the classroom. (A small noxious device.)

Synonyms

• Stench bomb: a bomb that emits a foul odor.
• Malodorant: a substance or device that produces a bad smell.

Phrasal Verbs

• Stink up (verb phrase): to fill a space with a bad smell.
  • The stink-ball stank up the entire room. (The device made the room smell terrible.)

Related Idioms

• Raise a stink: to cause a strong reaction or complaint.
  • The use of a stink-ball raised a stink among the public. (It provoked outrage or protest.)