A ballistic missile is a weapon that is designed to be launched into the air and then follow a predetermined trajectory towards a target. These missiles are capable of carrying a variety of different payloads, including conventional explosives, nuclear warheads, and chemical or biological agents. Ballistic missiles are a critical component of many countries’ military arsenals, and their development and deployment have been the subject of intense international scrutiny and debate.
Definitions
A ballistic missile is defined as a missile that is propelled by a rocket engine and follows a predetermined trajectory towards a target. The missile’s trajectory is determined by the laws of physics, specifically gravity and air resistance, and is not subject to any external guidance or control.
Origin
The origin of ballistic missiles can be traced back to the development of rocket technology in the early 20th century. The first ballistic missiles were developed by Nazi Germany during World War II, and they were used to attack targets in England and other parts of Europe. After the war, the United States and the Soviet Union began developing their own ballistic missile programs, which eventually led to the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of delivering nuclear warheads.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of ballistic missile is fairly consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory, typically one that is powered by a rocket engine and is capable of carrying a nuclear or conventional warhead.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a missile that is guided only during the relatively brief initial powered phase of flight and that follows a ballistic trajectory thereafter.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a missile that is powered by a rocket and that follows a curved path through the air.”
Associations
Ballistic missiles are closely associated with nuclear weapons and the Cold War. During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union both developed large arsenals of ICBMs capable of delivering nuclear warheads to targets on the other side of the globe. Ballistic missiles are also associated with the concept of mutually assured destruction (MAD), which held that the possession of large numbers of nuclear weapons by both sides would deter either side from launching a first strike.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for ballistic missile, including rocket, missile, and projectile. However, these terms are not always interchangeable, as they may refer to different types of weapons or delivery systems.
Antonyms
There are no true antonyms for ballistic missile, as it is a highly specific term that refers to a particular type of weapon. However, some possible antonyms might include non-ballistic missiles, such as cruise missiles or guided bombs, which are capable of being guided or steered during their entire flight.
The same root words
The root words of ballistic missile are “ballistic” and “missile.” Ballistic refers to the science of motion and the behavior of objects in flight, while missile refers to any object that is propelled through the air and intended to hit a target.
Example Sentences
- The country’s ballistic missile program has been a source of concern for the international community.
- The missile was launched from a submarine and followed a ballistic trajectory towards its target.
- The government announced that it had successfully tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile.
- The military has been developing a new generation of ballistic missiles that are capable of evading enemy defenses.
- The treaty banned the development and deployment of certain types of ballistic missiles.