An antiballistic missile, commonly known as ABM, is a type of missile designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles. The development and deployment of ABMs are crucial for national security and defense against potential missile attacks.
Definitions
An antiballistic missile is a missile designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles. It is a defensive weapon system that is used to protect a country or a region from missile attacks. The primary purpose of an ABM is to detect, track, and intercept incoming missiles before they reach their intended targets.
Origin
The development of antiballistic missile technology began during the Cold War era when the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a nuclear arms race. The first ABM system was deployed by the United States in 1975, known as the Safeguard Program. Since then, several countries have developed and deployed their own ABM systems.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an antiballistic missile is “a missile designed to intercept and destroy an incoming ballistic missile.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines ABM as “a missile designed to intercept and destroy an incoming ballistic missile in flight.”
Associations
The development and deployment of ABMs are associated with national security and defense against potential missile attacks. ABM systems are often used in conjunction with other missile defense systems, such as radar and satellite-based systems.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of antiballistic missile include missile defense system, missile shield, and ballistic missile defense.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of antiballistic missile, as it is a specific type of missile defense system. However, some antonyms of missile defense systems could be missile offense systems or missile attack systems.
The same root words
The root words of antiballistic missile are “anti-” and “ballistic.” “Anti-” means against or opposing, while “ballistic” relates to the science of the motion of projectiles. Other words with the same root words include antiaircraft, antitank, and antibacterial.
Example Sentences
- The United States has deployed several antiballistic missile systems to protect against potential missile attacks.
- The development of antiballistic missile technology is crucial for national security and defense.
- The ABM system successfully intercepted and destroyed an incoming ballistic missile during a test.
- Russia has developed its own antiballistic missile system, known as the A-135.
- The deployment of ABMs has sparked controversy and debate among policymakers and experts.