antimissile

American  

[an-tee-mis-uhl, an-tahy-, -mis-ahyl] / ˌæn tiˈmɪs əl, ˌæn taɪ-, -ˈmɪs aɪl /

Or anti-missile

adjective

1. designed or used in defense against guided enemy missiles.

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noun

1. a ballistic device for seeking and destroying enemy missiles.

antimissile British  

/ ˌæntɪˈmɪsaɪl /

adjective

1. relating to defensive measures against missile attack

   an antimissile system

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noun

1. Also called: antimissile missile.   AMM.  a defensive missile used to intercept and destroy attacking missiles

Etymology

Origin of antimissile

First recorded in 1955–60; anti- + missile

Example Sentences

The plan, military officials and analysts said, was for the destroyers to provide an antimissile umbrella, while U.S. helicopters would protect against Iranian attack boats.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

In addition to protecting the airfields with antimissile interceptors and counterdrone defenses, the U.S. has taken steps to operate at a distance from Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

At a House hearing on Tuesday, Michael Duffey, the Pentagon’s top official for weapons procurement, acknowledged the redeployment of Thaad antimissile assets had occurred.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Additional air defenses will be brought to the region, U.S. officials said, including more Patriot and Thaad antimissile systems, which would be essential for fending off any Iranian counter blows.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

Our antimissile systems'll be modified to knock out the Exocets from now on.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell