bazooka

[buh-zoo-kuh]

noun

Military.

1. a tube-shaped, portable rocket launcher that fires a rocket capable of penetrating several inches of armor plate, as of a tank or other armored military vehicle.

bazooka

/ bəˈzuːkə /

noun

1. a portable tubular rocket-launcher that fires a projectile capable of piercing armour: used by infantrymen as a short-range antitank weapon

Word History and Origins

Origin of bazooka¹

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35; from its resemblance to a musical instrument so named, invented and played by comedian Bob Burns in the 1930s and 1940s

Word History and Origins

Origin of bazooka¹

C20: named after a pipe instrument invented by Bob Burns (1896–1956), American comedian

Example Sentences

And when Brooks and Gordon’s screenplay takes a bazooka to that skeleton, they smartly ensure the viewer is on Iris’ side.

Read more on Salon

Another option in the EU's armoury, described as its nuclear option or trade "bazooka", is to impose restrictions on America's powerful service sector as well as intellectual property rights.

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He threw out two runners trying to steal second with throws that looked like they came out of a bazooka.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

According to NBC News, the league has prohibited all its players from any "violent gestures" that mimic "the firing of a pistol or a shotgun or a bazooka."

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You are asking me to make a prediction and I don't know which gun I've got - a bazooka or a water pistol.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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