proximity fuse
noun
: a fuse for a projectile that uses the principle of radar to detect the presence of a target within the projectile's effective range
Examples of proximity fuse in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 1942, Johns Hopkins launched its Applied Physics Laboratory, which developed the proximity fuse—another crucial technological innovation for the Allied victory—and which later, during the Sputnik era, developed the concept for GPS.
—
L. Rafael Reif, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025
The missile’s 22-pound warhead is triggered using a laser proximity fuse immune to radar jamming.
—Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 3 Sep. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
L. Rafael Reif, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025
The missile’s 22-pound warhead is triggered using a laser proximity fuse immune to radar jamming.
—Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 3 Sep. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Proximity fuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proximity%20fuse. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share