torpedoed Hear it!

Variant of torpedo

torpedo Definition

tor·pedo (tôr pē′dō)

noun pl. torpedoes -·does

  1. electric ray
  2. ☆ a large, cigar-shaped, self-propelled underwater projectile for launching against enemy ships from a submarine, airplane, etc.: it is detonated by contact, sound, etc.
  3. a metal case containing explosives, esp. one used as an underwater mine
  4. a small fireworks device consisting of a percussion cap and gravel wrapped in tissue paper, which explodes with a loud noise when thrown against a hard surface
  5. ☆ an explosive cartridge or a flare, placed on a railroad track and detonated by a train wheel as a signal to the crew
  6. ☆ an explosive cartridge lowered into oil wells, where it is detonated to clear the bore or break through into the oil pocket
  7. ☆ Slang a gangster or gunman hired as a bodyguard, assassin, etc.

Etymology: L, numbness, crampfish < torpere, to be stiff: see torpid

transitive verb torpedoed -·doed, torpedoing -·do·ing

to attack, damage, or destroy with or as with a torpedo
torpedoed Usage Examples

Object

  • cruiser: On 2 May 1982 HMS Conqueror torpedoed the Argentine cruiser the General Belgrano.
  • ship: Our boys in the torpedoed ship either burned to death or jumped over the side into a blazing sea of oil.

Subject

  • U-boat: Both were torpedoed by German U-boats off the west coast of neutral Ireland.
  • submarine: Included were a number of Norwegian seamen who had been torpedoed by a German submarine in the area.

Preposition: by

  • U-boat: Both were torpedoed by German U-boats off the west coast of neutral Ireland.
  • submarine: Included were a number of Norwegian seamen who had been torpedoed by a German submarine in the area.