chemical weapon

[ kem-i-kuhl wep-uhn ]

noun

1. any poisonous, asphyxiating, or corrosive chemical agent designed or intended to incapacitate, harm, or kill a targeted military or civilian group. : CW

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemical weapon¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

In that same year, she said in an interview with CNN that she was "sceptical" that the Syrian regime was behind a chemical weapons attack which killed dozens of people.

From BBC

The attempted murders were followed by the death of Dawn Sturgess, 44, in July of that year, after she was exposed to the chemical weapon which was left in a discarded perfume bottle.

From BBC

The research authority is tasked with developing defenses against major public health threats, such as a pandemic or a chemical weapons attack.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the inquiry heard no traces of the chemical weapon were found on them when they were eventually tested.

From BBC

Traces of the chemical weapon were later discovered on the doorknob of Mr Skripal's home, where police believe it had been planted in a "targeted" attack.

From BBC