hand grenade

American  

noun

1. a grenade or explosive shell that is thrown by hand and exploded either by impact or by means of a fuze.

2. a grenade or glass missile containing a chemical, for extinguishing fire.

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hand grenade British  

noun

1. a small metal or plastic canister containing explosives, usually activated by a short fuse and used in close combat

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Etymology

Origin of hand grenade

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

She reflects that her response — “There is nothing that comes to mind” — landed as if she’d “pulled the pin on a hand grenade.”

From Los Angeles Times

During a emotional exchange between Washington and Wright’s characters, Washington unexpectedly started handling a hand grenade that had been placed in King’s office by the prop man.

From Los Angeles Times

Two hand grenades were discovered in a Santa Monica town home complex — one of them exploded with deadly results, and the other one “is unaccounted for at this time,” Sheriff Robert Luna said.

From Los Angeles Times

At the Saraya home in Sweida, signs of the violence are everywhere — walls pockmarked by shrapnel from a hand grenade and family pictures and mirrors cracked by bullet holes.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the two hand grenades found in a Santa Monica townhome complex ahead of the deadly blast that killed three Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives is currently missing, authorities said Friday.

From Los Angeles Times