“Torpedo” means a long, fast-moving weapon that travels through water to hit a target, usually a ship or submarine. It can also be used more generally to describe something shaped like a torpedo or moving quickly and directly.
In everyday English, people usually hear “torpedo” in news, military stories, or movies. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to destroy or seriously damage a plan, project, or idea.
Meaning & Usage
As a noun, a torpedo is an underwater weapon. As a verb, to torpedo something means to ruin it or stop it from working.
Examples
The navy fired a torpedo at the enemy ship.
The deal was torpedoed by bad timing and disagreement.
Context / Common Use
You will most often see “torpedo” in military or news contexts. In casual speech, people may use it figuratively to mean “destroy” or “derail” something.
Is a torpedo only used in war?
No. It is mainly a military weapon, but the word is also used in everyday English to mean damaging or ruining something.
Can “torpedo” be a verb?
Yes. For example, “They torpedoed the plan” means they badly damaged or stopped the plan.
Does “torpedo” have other meanings?
Yes. It can also describe something long and rounded in shape, but that use is less common.
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