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.

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