chemical warfare

[ kem-i-kuhl wawr-fair ]

noun

1. warfare with poisonous, asphyxiating, or corrosive gases, oil flames, etc. : CW

chemical warfare

noun

1. warfare in which chemicals other than explosives are used as weapons, esp warfare using asphyxiating or nerve gases, poisons, defoliants, etc

chemical warfare

1. The use of chemical agents as a weapon of war or terror. From the mustard gas used in World War I to the highly lethal neurotoxin Sarin that is potentially available for use today, chemicals are considered a weapon of mass destruction , and their use is condemned by most civilized nations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemical warfare¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Instead, they “use chemical warfare to stop from being eaten,” said Tina Wismer, senior director of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center.

From Washington Post

But if Assad feels like he can use chemical warfare “with impunity,” Kerry said, “he will never come to a negotiating table.”

From The Daily Beast

But these chemicals really are more like examples of biologic warfare, not chemical warfare.

From The Daily Beast

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other groups maintain lists of the various chemicals used in chemical warfare.

From The Daily Beast

With such protection there was no longer reason to fear that the frightfulness of chemical warfare would reduce American morale.

From Project Gutenberg

It was originally estimated that $250,000 would provide a plant at Edgewood sufficient for our chemical-warfare needs.

From Project Gutenberg

"Oh, that new gas the Chemical Warfare Service has discovered," said the surgeon.

From Project Gutenberg

Diisopropyl fluorophosphate has since become a potential agent for chemical warfare.

From Project Gutenberg