warhead
WAWR-hed
ˈwɔːrˌhɛd
The explosive front part of a missile, torpedo, or rocket. In the context of nuclear weapons, it refers specifically to the part containing the nuclear device.
Distinct from the entire delivery system (missile); it is the destructive payload itself.
The story behind the word. The word 'warhead' is a straightforward compound of 'war' and 'head.' It emerged in the late 19th century, initially referring to the explosive tip of a torpedo. As weaponry evolved, its application expanded to missiles and rockets, becoming particularly associated with the devastating nuclear payloads developed in the mid-20th century.
Word relationships
- payload: More general term for the cargo carried by a vehicle, including explosives.
- bomb: A self-contained explosive device; a warhead is part of a larger delivery system.
- charge: A quantity of explosive; 'warhead' implies a specific component of a weapon.
Commonly confused with
- missile: A missile is the entire projectile, including the propulsion system; a warhead is just the explosive front part.
Collocations
- nuclear warhead
- conventional warhead
- multiple warheads
- deploy warheads
- detonate warhead
Example sentences
- "The intercontinental ballistic missile carried a powerful nuclear warhead capable of immense destruction." Describing a missile's components.
- "Engineers worked carefully to remove the conventional warhead from the unexploded ordnance." Discussing the dismantling of weapons.
- "Early torpedoes were equipped with a simple explosive warhead designed to sink enemy ships." From a historical account.
Memory hook
Think of it as the 'head' of the 'war' weapon – the part that delivers the destructive blow. Explosive tip.
When not to use
Do not use 'warhead' to refer to the entire missile or bomb. It specifically denotes the explosive tip.
Fun facts
- Some ballistic missiles are designed to carry multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs), meaning a single missile can deploy several warheads to different targets.
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