torpedo

/tɔ:'pi:dou/
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torpedo

A torpedo ray rests on the sandy ocean floor.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A type of ray (fish): A slow-moving, bottom-dwelling ray with a rounded body and electric organs on its head that can produce strong electric shocks.
    • A self-propelled underwater missile: A long, cylindrical weapon launched from ships, submarines, or aircraft that travels underwater to explode upon hitting its target.
    • A small explosive device on a railroad track: A device placed on a railway track that explodes when a train runs over it, creating a warning sound for the engineer.
    • A type of small firework: A firework made of a percussion cap and gravel wrapped in paper, which explodes when thrown hard against a surface.
    • An explosive device for oil/gas wells: A device exploded in an oil or gas well to start or increase the flow.
    • A type of large sandwich: A long sandwich made with a crusty roll, filled with meats, cheese, and various toppings like lettuce and tomato.
    • A hired gunman: A professional killer who uses a gun.
  2. Verb:

    • To attack with a torpedo: To hit or destroy something, especially a ship, using a torpedo.
    • To ruin or destroy completely: To wreck or nullify something, such as a plan or agreement, suddenly and effectively.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:

    • The electric shock from the torpedo ray can stun its prey.
    • The submarine fired a torpedo at the enemy battleship.
    • The track crew used a torpedo to warn of the oncoming train.
    • He threw a torpedo against the wall, and it made a loud bang.
    • They used a torpedo to stimulate production in the old oil well.
    • I'll have an Italian torpedo with extra cheese for lunch.
    • The mob boss sent a torpedo to deal with the informant.
  • Verb:

    • The warship was torpedoed and sank within minutes.
    • The scandal torpedoed his chances of winning the election.
Advanced Usage
  • "To torpedo a plan/idea": To completely ruin or destroy a plan or idea.
    • The sudden budget cuts torpedoed our project for the new park.
Variants and Related Words
  • Torpedoes (n): Plural form of 'torpedo'.
  • Torpedoed (v): Past tense and past participle of the verb 'to torpedo'.
  • Torpedoing (v): Present participle of the verb 'to torpedo'.
Synonyms
  • Noun (weapon): Missile, projectile.
  • Noun (sandwich): Sub, hoagie, hero, grinder.
  • Noun (killer): Hitman, assassin, gunman.
  • Verb (attack): Sink, destroy, blast.
  • Verb (ruin): Sabotage, wreck, scuttle, derail.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: 'Torpedo' is not commonly used in standard phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal use is typically direct.)

Related Idioms
  • "Torpedo juice": (Historical/Slang) A strong, improvised alcoholic drink, especially as made by sailors.
    • The sailors made torpedo juice from whatever they could find.
torpedo

A torpedo ray rests on the sandy ocean floor.

Noun
  1. any sluggish bottom-dwelling ray of the order Torpediniformes having a rounded body and electric organs on each side of the head capable of emitting strong electric discharges
  2. armament consisting of a long cylindrical self-propelled underwater projectile that detonates on contact with a target
  3. a small explosive device that is placed on a railroad track and fires when a train runs over it; the sound of the explosion warns the engineer of danger ahead
  4. a small firework that consists of a percussion cap and some gravel wrapped in paper; explodes when thrown forcefully against a hard surface
  5. an explosive device that is set off in an oil well (or a gas well) to start or to increase the flow of oil (or gas)
  6. a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the United States
  7. a professional killer who uses a gun
Verb
  1. attack or hit with torpedoes