torpedo
/tɔ:'pi:dou/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- 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
- armament consisting of a long cylindrical self-propelled underwater projectile that detonates on contact with a target
- 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
- a small firework that consists of a percussion cap and some gravel wrapped in paper; explodes when thrown forcefully against a hard surface
- 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)
- 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
- a professional killer who uses a gun
Verb
- attack or hit with torpedoes