chemical warfare

American  

[kem-i-kuhl wawr-fair] / ˈkɛm ɪ kəl ˈwɔrˌfɛər /

noun

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

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chemical warfare British  

noun

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

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chemical warfare Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of chemical warfare

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

And the federal Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response keeps a national stockpile of supplies necessary for public health emergencies, including vaccines, medical supplies and antidotes needed in case of a chemical warfare attack.

From Salon

This acts as a kind of chemical warfare to protect themselves.

From Science Daily

The monarch-milkweed connection is often spoken of as “chemical warfare,” but Lee-Mäder prefers to think of it as a “two-way relationship” or “a partnership.”

From Seattle Times

The U.S.' stockpile of chemical warfare agents reached nearly 40,000 tons by 1968, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From Reuters

“So I think it was in part due to the chemical warfare, if you will,” Dr. Froines said.

From Washington Post