Torpedo (noun)

A self-propelled underwater missile that is designed to explode on impact with a target.

Origin:

The word torpedo comes from the latin word "torpidus" meaning numb or benumbed, which was used in the 16th century to describe a type of electric ray which had a numbing effect on its prey. in the 19th century, it was used to describe an underwater self-propelled missile.

Examples:

1. The submarine fired a torpedo at the enemy warship.
2. The torpedo was guided by an advanced homing system.
3. During the World War II, torpedoes were responsible for sinking numerous ships.
4. The torpedo's warhead was designed to explode on impact with the target.
5. The torpedo was equipped with a proximity fuse that would detonate it when it was close enough to the target.