biological weapon
Pathogen-based warfare tool
A biological weapon is an armament that uses pathogens—bacteria, viruses, or toxins—to cause disease in humans, animals, or crops.
Unlike conventional weapons that destroy through force, biological weapons exploit infection and contagion.
International treaties prohibit their development and use, though some nations have maintained covert programs.
Also called bioweapon or germ warfare agent.
Weaponized infectious agents
- germ warfareCombat using disease agents
- biodefenseProtection from biological attacks
- weaponizationMaking something harmful
- delivery systemMeans of conveying goods
aerosolization · stockpile · proliferation · arms control · dual-use · state-sponsored · mass casualty
Spore-forming bacterial disease
- smallpoxDeadly pustular viral infection
- plagueDeadly epidemic disease
- botulinumParalysis-causing bacterial species
- ricinToxic castor compound
brucellosis · salmonella · cholera · typhoid · glanders · VX · sarin · novichok
Sending of information
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
- outbreakSudden eruption of trouble
- epidemicWidespread disease occurrence
- pandemicGlobal disease outbreak
spread · vector · incubation · carrier · communicable · airborne · contamination · exposure
Isolation preventing disease transmission
- decontaminationRemoving dangerous substances
- hazmatToxic materials needing precautions
- biosafetyProtection from biological hazards
- biosecurityProtection against biological threats
detection · surveillance · vaccination · prophylaxis · isolation · protective equipment · negative pressure · fumigation
Extreme, overwhelming fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- hysteriaUncontrollable emotional excess
- paranoiaIrrational persecution fears
mass casualty · apocalyptic · existential threat · nightmare scenario · psychological warfare · indiscriminate · uncontrollable · catastrophic
bioterrorism
Weaponized infectious agents
- germ warfareCombat using disease agents
- biodefenseProtection from biological attacks
- weaponizationMaking something harmful
aerosolization · delivery system · stockpile · proliferation · arms control · dual-use · state-sponsored · mass casualty
anthrax
Spore-forming bacterial disease
- smallpoxDeadly pustular viral infection
- plagueDeadly epidemic disease
- botulinumParalysis-causing bacterial species
ricin · brucellosis · salmonella · cholera · typhoid · glanders · VX · sarin · novichok
transmission
Sending of information
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
- outbreakSudden eruption of trouble
- epidemicWidespread disease occurrence
pandemic · spread · vector · incubation · carrier · communicable · airborne · contamination · exposure · spillover
quarantine
Isolation preventing disease transmission
- decontaminationRemoving dangerous substances
- hazmatToxic materials needing precautions
- biosafetyProtection from biological hazards
biosecurity · detection · surveillance · vaccination · prophylaxis · isolation · protective equipment · negative pressure · fumigation · sterilization
terror
Extreme, overwhelming fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- hysteriaUncontrollable emotional excess
paranoia · mass casualty · apocalyptic · existential threat · nightmare scenario · psychological warfare · indiscriminate · uncontrollable · catastrophic
- military equipmenttanks, assault rifle, missiles, grenade, submarines
- weaponsknife, gun, sword, swords, rifle
- Terrorismterrorism, terror cell, suicide bomber, suicide bombing, suicide attack
- Superweaponsnuclear bomb, atomic bomb, hydrogen bomb, neutron bomb, thermonuclear bomb
- WMD threatschemical weapons, bioterrorism, poison gas, nerve agent, anthrax
- warfarebattle, combat, attack, war, armed conflict
biological weaponconventional weapon
Non-WMD military armament
explosive ordnance · nuclear weapon · chemical weapon · bomb · firearm
biological weaponvaccine
Disease prevention injection
antidote · medicine · antibiotic · cure · antiviral
weapon, biology, biological, biologist, biologists, biologically, bioweapon, biological weapons