[tɔːˈpiːdəʊ], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a cigar-shaped self-propelled underwater missile designed to be fired from a ship or submarine or dropped into the water from an aircraft and to explode on reaching a target

- an electric ray

- a gangster hired to commit a murder or other violent act


Phrases:

Origin:
early 16th century (in torpedo): from Latin, literally ‘stiffness, numbness’, by extension ‘electric ray’ (which gives a shock causing numbness), from torpere ‘be numb or sluggish’. torpedo dates from the late 18th century and first described a timed explosive device for detonation under water

[tɔːˈpiːdəʊ], (Verb)

Definitions:
- attack or sink (a ship) with a torpedo or torpedoes
(e.g: the liner was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine)


Phrases:

Origin:
early 16th century (in torpedo): from Latin, literally ‘stiffness, numbness’, by extension ‘electric ray’ (which gives a shock causing numbness), from torpere ‘be numb or sluggish’. torpedo dates from the late 18th century and first described a timed explosive device for detonation under water