WMD

American  

abbreviation

1. weapon/weapons of mass destruction: a weapon or weapons that can cause great destruction, loss of life, or injury.

   nuclear WMDs.

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WMD British  

abbreviation

1. weapon(s) of mass destruction

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Etymology

Origin of WMD

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Congress could temporarily extend the measures dealing with drones and WMD as part of a bill the House approved Tuesday to avert a government shutdown.

From Washington Times • Nov. 15, 2023

Even before he arrived, work was well under way  to prevent WMD attacks, or deal with them if they took place.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2023

The 6-foot-7, 300-pound member of the Colorado Wardens is a formidable opponent with an ax or sword — a WMD, weapon of medieval destruction.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2023

“We learned critical lessons in the wake of our flawed assessment of an active WMD program in Iraq in 2002,” Haines said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 22, 2023

We know that some terrorist organizations have sought to develop the capability to use WMD to attack the United States and our friends and allies.

From National Strategy for Combating Terrorism February 2003 by United States. Executive Office of the President