chemical warfare

[ kem-i-kuhl wawr-fair ]

noun

1. warfare with poisonous, asphyxiating, or corrosive gases, oil flames, etc. : CW

chemical warfare

noun

1. warfare in which chemicals other than explosives are used as weapons, esp warfare using asphyxiating or nerve gases, poisons, defoliants, etc

chemical warfare

1. The use of chemical agents as a weapon of war or terror. From the mustard gas used in World War I to the highly lethal neurotoxin Sarin that is potentially available for use today, chemicals are considered a weapon of mass destruction , and their use is condemned by most civilized nations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemical warfare¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The substance reacted with moisture, creating the poisonous gas phosphine, which has been likened to a chemical warfare agent.

From BBC

And the federal Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response keeps a national stockpile of supplies necessary for public health emergencies, including vaccines, medical supplies and antidotes needed in case of a chemical warfare attack.

From Salon

Over-policing and capital punishment are two forms of military occupation that Western culture recycles but what of chemical warfare disguised as industrial revolution?

From Salon

Drug and chemical warfare was sort of a parallel arms race alongside the nuclear arms race.

From Los Angeles Times

This acts as a kind of chemical warfare to protect themselves.

From Science Daily