Missile
'mɪsaɪl
Definitions
2 meaningsAn object, such as a rocket or projectile, that is forcibly propelled at a target, either by hand or from a weapon.
'mɪsaɪl
A weapon designed to be sent in the direction of a target
The country tested a new long-range missile.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really fast, flying thing that's meant to hit something far away. Like when you throw a ball super hard, but this thing can travel a lot further! It's a kind of weapon that gets sent on its way, often with explosions.
👶 For kids: A missile is like a big arrow that flies super fast to hit something far away.
More Examples
The missile strike destroyed the military base.
The defense system was designed to intercept incoming missiles.
How It's Used
"The enemy launched a missile at the city."
"Scientists are developing new missile defense systems."
A thing thrown or propelled at a target; a thrown object.
'mɪsaɪl
An object that is forcibly propelled at a target
The quarterback threw a missile downfield for a touchdown.
💡 Simply: It's also when something is thrown hard and fast, like when you throw a baseball so fast it looks like a streak! It's not always a real weapon; we can use it to describe something thrown forcefully.
👶 For kids: A missile is something that flies super fast to hit something.
More Examples
The lawyer fired a missile of questions at the witness.
The outfielder’s throw was a missile to home plate.
How It's Used
"The quarterback threw a missile downfield."
"He fired a missile of insults at the opponent."
From the Italian word 'missile', meaning 'something thrown' and derived from the Latin 'mittere', meaning 'to send' or 'to release'. The term gained prominence with the development of modern weaponry.
The term became widely used during the Cold War era with the advent of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'send'. A missile is sent towards something.