torpedo
/tɔːˈpiːdəʊ/ (bre, ipa) · [tɔrpˈidˌo] /tɔːrˈpiːdəʊ/ (ame, ipa) · [tɔrpˈidˌo] /tȯr-ˈpē-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce torpedo (audio)/ (ame, mw) · /tɔːˈpiː.dəʊ/ (bre, ipa) · [tɔrpˈidˌo] /tɔːrˈpiː.doʊ/ (ame, ipa)
torpedo — noun
- torpedosingular
- torpedoesplural
1. a long, tube-shaped explosive weapon that moves through water by its own power,
a long, tube-shaped explosive weapon that moves through water by its own power, built to hit and destroy ships or submarines.
The submarine fired two torpedoes at the enemy destroyer before diving deeper.
fire + torpedo + at [target]
Warships carry torpedoes as part of their standard anti-submarine equipment.
carry + torpedo + as equipment
A single torpedo can sink a large vessel if it hits below the waterline.
The navy tested a new torpedo that can travel faster and farther than older models.
Meera read about the development of guided torpedoes in her naval history class.
- missile
broader category — missiles fly through air or space, torpedoes only through water
- depth charge
different underwater weapon — depth charges sink and explode at set depths; torpedoes are self-propelled and aim at a target
文法句型
torpedo + verb (fire/launch/strike)
常見錯誤
2. a small explosive firework that produces a loud popping noise when you throw it
a small explosive firework that produces a loud popping noise when you throw it onto pavement or another solid object.
The children threw torpedoes against the pavement during the New Year celebration.
throw + torpedo + against [surface]
A loud bang rang out when the torpedo hit the school wall.
The corner store sells small torpedoes that explode on impact, popular among teenagers.
Karim warned the younger kids not to throw torpedoes near anyone's face or ears.
- snap pop
a different small firework that pops on impact but is typically smaller and wrapped in paper
- firecracker
broader category — firecrackers are lit with a fuse, not thrown
文法句型
throw + torpedo + against/at [surface]
用法筆記
This sense is primarily used in North America. In other regions, similar items are called 'snap pops' or 'party poppers,' which work differently.
3. an oblong bread roll sliced lengthwise, then packed with cold cuts, cheese, vege
an oblong bread roll sliced lengthwise, then packed with cold cuts, cheese, vegetables, and condiments to form a very filling sandwich.
Beatriz ordered a torpedo loaded with ham, cheese, lettuce, and tomato for lunch.
torpedo + loaded with [ingredients]
The deli's torpedo sandwich is so big that two people can share one.
Zola picked up a torpedo from the corner shop on her way to the park.
Nicholas asked the server to cut his torpedo in half and wrap each piece separately.
- submarine sandwich / sub
the most widely recognized term across the US; 'torpedo' is regional
- hoagie
term used mainly in Pennsylvania and surrounding areas
- hero
term common in New York and the Northeast
- grinder
term used in New England
- bánh mì
Vietnamese-style sandwich on a baguette; different fillings but similar shape
文法句型
torpedo + filled with/loaded with [ingredients]
用法筆記
This sense is common in the northeastern United States. The same type of sandwich is called a 'sub,' 'hoagie,' 'grinder,' or 'hero' in different regions.
常見錯誤
torpedo — verb
- torpedo3rd person singular
- torpedoing-ing form
- torpedoedpast simple
1. to hit or destroy a ship or submarine by firing a torpedo at it from underwater.
to hit or destroy a ship or submarine by firing a torpedo at it from underwater.
The German U-boat torpedoed three supply ships during the night operation.
torpedo + [ship] — active voice
The naval commander ordered the submarine to torpedo the approaching warship.
The old freighter was torpedoed near the coast and sank within twenty minutes.
Enemy aircraft spotted the convoy and radioed coordinates so the submarines could torpedo the targets.
文法句型
torpedo + [ship/submarine]
be + torpedoed
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice (e.g., 'The tanker was torpedoed') to describe the result of an attack without naming the attacker.
2. to deliberately cause something such as a plan, deal, project, or relationship t
to deliberately cause something such as a plan, deal, project, or relationship to fail completely.
The leaked report torpedoed the company's plans to merge with its main rival.
torpedo + [plan] — figurative
The senator's controversial comments torpedoed his chances of being re-elected.
A series of budget cuts torpedoed the school's new music program before it even started.
Bad weather torpedoed Noa and Linh's hopes of hiking to the summit before sunset.
The scandal torpedoed years of careful negotiations between the two countries.
文法句型
torpedo + [plan/project/deal/relationship]
用法筆記
This figurative sense is common in journalism and casual conversation. The subject is usually a negative event or piece of information, and the object is something abstract (a plan, deal, chance, relationship) rather than a physical object.