plural torpedoes
: a bomb that is shaped like a tube and that is fired underwater
The battleship was sunk by a torpedo fired by a submarine.
torpedoes; torpedoed; torpedoing
1
: to hit or sink (a ship) with a torpedo
The submarine torpedoed the battleship.
2
somewhat informal
: to destroy or stop (something) completely
Her injury torpedoed her goal of competing in the Olympics.
He torpedoed the plan.
Cite this Entry
“Torpedo.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/torpedo. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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