noun Uncommon

torpedo

taw-PEE-doh

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Torpedo (noun) means a self-propelled underwater explosive weapon fired from a ship, submarine, or aircraft to strike another vessel. Example: “The submarine fired a torpedo at the enemy destroyer.”

noun

A self-propelled underwater explosive weapon fired from a ship, submarine, or aircraft to strike another vessel.

"The submarine fired a torpedo at the enemy destroyer."

"Two torpedoes struck the hull below the waterline."

Informal: a long sandwich made on a roll, also called a submarine or hoagie.

"He ordered a meatball torpedo for lunch."

verb

To deliberately ruin or destroy a plan, deal, or effort.

"A single leaked email torpedoed the merger talks."

"She accused him of trying to torpedo her promotion."

How to use torpedo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn underwater missile fired at ships; figuratively, to torpedo something is to sabotage it completely.

Common pairings

fire a torpedo torpedo the deal hit by a torpedo

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: torpedoes, torpedos
Third person singular: torpedoes, torpedos
Past tense: torpedoed

Test yourself on “torpedo” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The submarine fired a _____ at the enemy destroyer.

Etymology

From Latin torpedo, originally the name of the electric ray (a fish that delivers a stunning shock) and related to torpere, "to be numb or sluggish." The military sense — a self-propelled underwater weapon — was coined by the inventor Robert Fulton in 1805.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1805

Class of 1805 torpedo joined the language around 1805.

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Synonyms

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gun hero sub shooter bomber submarine wedge gunman hitman grinder hoagie gunslinger

Related words

gas gun hero sub champion killer terrorist mill

Rhymes for torpedo

Edo redo credo Fredo toledo speedo Laredo Olmedo Tuxedo Alfredo

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Frequently asked questions

What does “torpedo” mean?

The word “torpedo” means a self-propelled underwater explosive weapon fired from a ship, submarine, or aircraft to strike another vessel. In plain terms, an underwater missile fired at ships; figuratively, to torpedo something is to sabotage it completely.

How do you pronounce “torpedo”?

“Torpedo” is pronounced taw-PEE-doh (/ˌtoɹˈpi.doʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “torpedo” in a sentence?

Here is “torpedo” used in a sentence: “The submarine fired a torpedo at the enemy destroyer.”

What part of speech is “torpedo”?

Depending on how it is used, “torpedo” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “torpedo” come from?

The word “torpedo” dates back to around 1805 and comes from Latin.

Is “torpedo” a common word?

“Torpedo” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “torpedo” have?

“Torpedo” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a self-propelled underwater explosive weapon fired from a ship, submarine, or aircraft to strike another vessel.

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