shaped charge

noun

: an explosive charge the energy of which is focused in one direction so that it usually achieves an armor-penetrating effect

Examples of shaped charge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The service developed a device that used two explosive charges in quick succession, the first a small shaped charge to make an initial hole in the ground, and then a larger cratering charge. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 5 Oct. 2022 The five-pound mines have a shaped charge which fires upwards when a vehicle drives over them; other mines immobilize a tank by destroying a track, the AT2 destroys them. David Hambling, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2022 The grenade’s shaped charge warhead punches through over 200mm of steel, and so easily penetrates a tank’s thin top armor. David Hambling, Forbes, 1 June 2022 Javelin can engage tanks head-on or from above, firing a shaped charge down into the turret from above. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 2 Mar. 2022 The crew of five (four weapon operators and a driver) are protected by the heavy tank chassis armor and Relikt reactive armor tiles designed to neutralize shaped charge warheads. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 3 Dec. 2020 Russian tanks fire shaped charge and armor piercing shells to kill enemy tanks, but at very long ranges enemy vehicles become more difficult to hit with unguided rounds. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 11 Sep. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaped charge was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near shaped charge

Cite this Entry

“Shaped charge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaped%20charge. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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