grenade

[ gri-neyd ]

noun

1. a small shell containing an explosive and thrown by hand or fired from a rifle or launching device.
2. a similar missile containing a chemical, as for dispersing tear gas or fire-extinguishing substances.

verb (used with object)

, gre·nad·ed, gre·nad·ing.

1. to attack with a grenade or grenades.

grenade

/ ɡrɪˈneɪd /

noun

1. a small container filled with explosive thrown by hand or fired from a rifle
2. a sealed glass vessel that is thrown and shatters to release chemicals, such as tear gas or a fire extinguishing agent

Word History and Origins

Origin of grenade¹

1525–35; < French < Spanish granada pomegranate, special use of granado having grains < Latin grānātus. See grain, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of grenade¹

C16: from French, from Spanish granada pomegranate, from Late Latin grānāta, from Latin grānātus seedy; see grain

Example Sentences

The associate warden issued riot gear and masks to the guards, who quelled the riot with tear gas, pepper spray, and “flash stun” and “multi blast” grenades, the document says.

From Los Angeles Times

He has rolled a giant grenade into the middle of the nation’s capital and watched with mischievous glee to see who runs away and who throws themselves on it.

From Salon

Eyewitnesses said the convoy was attacked by masked men who threw grenades.

From BBC

In Guanajuato state, the explosion of two car bombs highlighted the escalation of cartel warfare, with some criminal groups now arming themselves with grenade launchers and drones rigged with explosives.

From Los Angeles Times

But the atrocities described in the report have not ceased: For example, the stun grenade dropped on a polio vaccination clinic during a humanitarian pause, wounding several children.

From Salon