Antitank refers to anything that is designed to destroy or disable tanks. This can include weapons, equipment, or tactics that are specifically intended to counter the threat posed by armored vehicles on the battlefield. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of antitank, as well as its origins and associations.
Definitions
The term antitank is commonly used in military contexts to refer to any weapon or device that is designed to disable or destroy tanks. This can include a range of different weapons, from handheld rocket launchers to large artillery pieces. The goal of antitank weapons is to penetrate the thick armor of tanks and disable their engines or other critical systems.
Origin
The development of antitank weapons can be traced back to the early days of armored warfare, when tanks were first introduced to the battlefield in World War I. At that time, tanks were relatively new and vulnerable to attack from infantry armed with grenades and other improvised weapons. As tanks became more heavily armored and better protected, however, it became clear that more specialized weapons were needed to take them out.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of antitank is fairly consistent across different dictionaries and reference works. Most definitions focus on the idea that antitank refers to weapons or tactics that are specifically designed to counter the threat posed by tanks. Some examples of dictionary definitions of antitank include:
- Merriam-Webster: designed to destroy or disable tanks.
- Oxford English Dictionary: designed or used to destroy tanks.
- Dictionary.com: designed or used to combat tanks.
Associations
Antitank weapons and tactics are typically associated with military operations and warfare. They are often used by infantry units or specialized antitank teams to counter the threat posed by enemy tanks. Antitank weapons can also be used in defensive operations, such as protecting key installations or blocking enemy advances.
Synonyms
There are a number of different synonyms for antitank, many of which are related to specific types of weapons or tactics. Some common synonyms for antitank include:
- Tank destroyer.
- Anti-armor.
- Antitank gun.
- Rocket launcher.
- Guided missile.
Antonyms
The opposite of antitank is generally considered to be pro-tank, although this is not a commonly used term. Other potential antonyms for antitank might include terms like “pro-armor” or “tank-friendly,” although these are not commonly used either.
The same root words
The root word of antitank is “anti,” which is a prefix that means “against” or “opposed to.” This same prefix is used in a wide variety of other words, including antifreeze, antibiotic, and antipathy.
Example Sentences
Here are a few example sentences that use the word antitank:
- The infantry unit was equipped with a variety of antitank weapons, including rocket launchers and guided missiles.
- The tank commander knew that the enemy had deployed antitank mines along the road, so he ordered his unit to proceed with caution.
- The antitank defenses around the airfield proved to be too strong for the enemy tanks to penetrate, allowing the defending forces to hold their ground.