torpedo

• Nom masculin désignant un engin sous-marin autopropulsé et explosif, ainsi qu'un type de sandwich, un tueur à gages professionnel et une raie électrique.

A noun with multiple meanings, including a self-propelled underwater explosive projectile, a type of sandwich, a professional gunman, and an electric ray fish.

1. Underwater missileB2formaltechnical

   A long, cylindrical, self-propelled underwater projectile that explodes on contact with a target.

   Torpille (engin sous-marin)

   • The submarine launched a torpedo at the enemy ship.
   • Torpedoes are a key weapon in naval warfare.
   • The destroyer evaded the incoming torpedo.

2. Professional killerC1slangamerican

   A hired gunman or assassin, often working for organized crime.

   tueur à gages

   • The mob boss sent a torpedo to silence the witness.
   • He worked as a torpedo for the crime syndicate.
   • The detective was hunting a notorious torpedo.

   Synonymesassassinenforcergunmanhitmanshootertriggerman

3. B1informalamericanculinary

   A large sandwich made from a long crusty roll, split lengthwise and filled with meats, cheese, and vegetables.

   Sandwich allongé sur pain baguette

   • I ordered a torpedo sandwich with salami and provolone.
   • The deli makes the best torpedo in town.
   • He ate a whole torpedo for lunch.

   Synonymesbombergrinderherohoagieitalian sandwichsubwedge

4. Oil well deviceC1formaltechnical

   An explosive device set off in an oil or gas well to start or increase the flow of oil or gas.

   Torpille de puits (pétrolier/gazier)

   • The crew used a torpedo to stimulate the well.
   • Torpedoes are sometimes used in oil extraction.
   • The explosion from the torpedo increased the well's output.

5. B2informal

   A small firework consisting of a percussion cap and gravel wrapped in paper, which explodes when thrown against a hard surface.

   Pétard explosif

   • The children threw torpedoes on the sidewalk to hear them pop.
   • Torpedoes are popular during New Year celebrations.
   • He bought a pack of torpedoes from the store.

   Synonymessnapsnapper

6. Railroad warning deviceC1formaltechnical

   A small explosive device placed on a railroad track that fires when a train runs over it, warning the engineer of danger ahead.

   Pétard ferroviaire

   • The workers placed a torpedo on the track to signal the train.
   • Torpedoes are used as a safety measure on railways.
   • The engineer heard the torpedo's explosion and slowed down.

   Synonymesdetonator

7. Electric rayC1formalscientific

   A sluggish bottom-dwelling ray of the order Torpediniformes, with a rounded body and electric organs on each side of its head capable of emitting strong electric discharges.

   torpille

   • The torpedo uses electric shocks to stun its prey.
   • Divers are cautious around torpedoes due to their electric abilities.
   • The torpedo is a fascinating creature of the deep sea.

   Synonymescrampfishelectric raynumbfish

• Verbe signifiant attaquer, détruire ou ruiner quelque chose, souvent au sens figuré pour décrire le fait de faire échouer un plan ou un projet.

A verb meaning to attack, destroy, or ruin something, often used figuratively to describe sabotaging a plan or project.

1. Attack with torpedoesB2formal

   To attack or destroy a ship or submarine using a self-propelled underwater missile.

   torpiller

   • The submarine torpedoed the enemy battleship.
   • During the war, many merchant vessels were torpedoed by U-boats.
   • The navy successfully torpedoed the hostile vessel.

2. Spoil or ruinB2informal

   To deliberately ruin or sabotage a plan, project, or relationship.

   Faire échouer (saboter)

   • His careless comment torpedoed the entire negotiation.
   • The scandal torpedoed her political career.
   • They tried to torpedo the deal by spreading false rumors.

   Synonymesblightdestroyruinsabotagescuppersinksubvertthwartunderminewreck

   Antonymesaidassisthelpsupport