missile
Self-propelled munition
A missile is an object propelled at a target.
In its broadest sense, any thrown or launched object qualifies: Protesters hurled missiles at police.
More specifically, a missile is a self-propelled weapon carrying explosives—guided missiles can adjust course in flight, while ballistic missiles follow a fixed trajectory.
The word often implies military weaponry: cruise missile, nuclear missile.
Munition's explosive section
- ICBMOcean-spanning nuclear delivery system
- megatonExplosive force unit
- kilotonExplosive force unit
- deterrencePrevention via threatened consequences
MAD · nuclear-armed · strategic · Poseidon · proliferation · disarmament · treaty · submarine-launched
Path of moving object
- intercontinentalSpanning multiple continents
- reentryComing back in
- ICBMOcean-spanning nuclear delivery system
- apogeeHighest orbital point
Agricultural storage tower
Rapid increase in quantity
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
- brinksmanshipRisky diplomatic tactics
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
crisis · sanctions · deterrence · tension · provocation
Steering toward a target
- seekerOne who looks
- infraredHeat-bearing electromagnetic waves
- laser-guidedSteered by light beam
- radar-guidedSteered by wave detection
cruise · fire-and-forget · wire-guided · waypoint · lock-on · Maverick · Harpoon
Branded anti-tank missile platform
- armor-piercingDefeats protective plating
- wire-guidedDirected via attached filament
- shoulder-firedLaunched from the body
- penetrationEntry into something
Named weapons platform
- supersonicExceeding audio velocity
- subsonicBelow sound's speed
- over-the-horizonBeyond the visible edge
- warshipArmed naval vessel
Seizing something in transit
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- countermeasuresDefensive actions against threats
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
- chaffProtective seed coverings
High-altitude missile interceptor
- StingerPortable surface-to-air missile
- interceptorAircraft that intercepts threats
- anti-aircraftWeapons targeting airborne threats
- AegisProtective divine shield
warhead
Munition's explosive section
deterrence · MAD · nuclear-armed · strategic · Poseidon · proliferation · disarmament · treaty · submarine-launched · thermonuclear
trajectory
Path of moving object
- intercontinentalSpanning multiple continents
- reentryComing back in
- ICBMOcean-spanning nuclear delivery system
silo
Agricultural storage tower
proliferation
Rapid increase in quantity
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
- brinksmanshipRisky diplomatic tactics
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
standoff · crisis · sanctions · deterrence · tension · provocation
homing
Steering toward a target
- seekerOne who looks
- infraredHeat-bearing electromagnetic waves
- laser-guidedSteered by light beam
radar-guided · cruise · fire-and-forget · wire-guided · waypoint · lock-on · Maverick · Harpoon
Javelin
Branded anti-tank missile platform
- armor-piercingDefeats protective plating
- wire-guidedDirected via attached filament
- shoulder-firedLaunched from the body
Harpoon
Named weapons platform
- supersonicExceeding audio velocity
- subsonicBelow sound's speed
- over-the-horizonBeyond the visible edge
interception
Seizing something in transit
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- countermeasuresDefensive actions against threats
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
chaff · flares · jamming · early-warning
THAAD
High-altitude missile interceptor
- StingerPortable surface-to-air missile
- interceptorAircraft that intercepts threats
- anti-aircraftWeapons targeting airborne threats
- military equipmenttanks, assault rifle, grenade, submarines, pistol
- U.S. MilitaryArmy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Pentagon
- war symbolscrossed swords, battle flag, war banner, war flag, battle standard
- naval powernavy, navies, fleet, fleets, warship
- MissilesICBM, Pershing, Lance, Hades, submarine-launched
- naval equipmentaircraft carrier, aircraft carriers, carriers, battleship, battleships
missilemissile defense
System intercepting hostile projectiles
shield · defense system · Iron Dome · interceptor · bunker
missiletarget
Object of pursuit
fixed position · bunker · building · fortress · ground zero
- on a missionPursuing a specific objective
- mission accomplishedTask finished, goal met
- mission controlEarth-based space operations hub
- rescue missionOperation to save someone
- nuclear missileWarhead-tipped ballistic rocket
- guided missileSteerable self-propelled weapon
mission, missiles, missive, antimissile, guided missile, missile silos, ballistic missile, missile silo, cruise missile