Weapon of mass destruction

Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) /ˈwɛpən ɒv mæs dɪˈstrʌkʃən/ is a term used to describe a class of weaponry with the potential to cause large-scale loss of life or severe damage to infrastructure and natural environment.

Etymology

The term "Weapon of Mass Destruction" is believed to have been first used by the London Times in 1937 to describe the bombing campaigns of the Spanish Civil War. It was later popularized during the Cold War, primarily to refer to nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons (NBC).

Types of WMDs

There are three main types of WMDs:

Nuclear weapons: These are explosive devices that derive their destructive force from nuclear reactions. They are the most destructive WMDs.

Biological weapons: These use pathogens or toxins to cause disease and death in humans, animals, or plants.

Chemical weapons: These use toxic chemicals to cause death or harm. They can be in the form of a gas, liquid, or solid.

Related Terms

Nuclear proliferation: The spread of nuclear weapons, fissionable material, and weapons-applicable nuclear technology and information.

Biological warfare: The use of biological toxins or infectious agents with the intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals, or plants.

Chemical warfare: The use of toxic properties of chemical substances to kill, injure, or incapacitate an enemy.

Radiological weapon: A weapon that uses radioactive material to cause damage or harm.

Dirty bomb: A type of radiological dispersal device that combines radioactive material with conventional explosives.

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Weapon of mass destruction