depth charge

noun

1. an explosive device that is used against submarines and other underwater targets, and is usually set to detonate at a predetermined depth.

depth charge

noun

1. a bomb used to attack submarines that explodes at a pre-set depth of water

Word History and Origins

Origin of depth charge¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

A father has said his 24-year-old daughter’s suicide hit him like a "depth charge" which "shred things in ways that are difficult to describe".

From BBC

“He hit the fish right on the head. I swear, man. It was like a depth charge. He frickin’ nailed this thing.

From Seattle Times

They included anti-submarine depth charges and smoke floats used to lay down cover for warships.

From Seattle Times

Among the munitions documented were Hedgehog and Mark 9 depth charges — explosives that were typically dropped from warships to attack submarines.

From Los Angeles Times

The next year, it suffered an accident in which depth charges on board exploded, gutting much of the ship and killing 34 crewmen.

From Washington Post