depth charge

American  

noun

1. an explosive device that is used against submarines and other underwater targets, and is usually set to detonate at a predetermined depth.

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depth charge British  

noun

1. a bomb used to attack submarines that explodes at a pre-set depth of water

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Etymology

Origin of depth charge

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“He hit the fish right on the head. I swear, man. It was like a depth charge. He frickin’ nailed this thing.

From Seattle Times

They included anti-submarine depth charges and smoke floats used to lay down cover for warships.

From Seattle Times

Among the munitions documented were Hedgehog and Mark 9 depth charges — explosives that were typically dropped from warships to attack submarines.

From Los Angeles Times

Such stark images arrive like visual depth charges in a new illustrated story co-scripted by a civil rights attorney turned Harvard law professor.

From Washington Post

"The ships of the two countries, with the support of anti-submarine aviation, jointly searched for a submarine of a conditional enemy and fired a volley of jet depth charges," the ministry said.

From Reuters