shaped charge

noun

: an explosive charge the energy of which is focused in one direction so that it usually achieves an armor-penetrating effect

Examples of shaped charge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The crew of five (four weapon operators and a driver) are protected by the heavy tank chassis armor and Relikt reactive armor tiles designed to neutralize shaped charge warheads. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 3 Dec. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaped charge was in 1946

Rhymes for shaped charge

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Browse Nearby Words

shape
shaped charge
shaped cookie
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Cite this Entry

“Shaped charge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaped%20charge. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shaped charge

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shaped charge

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