superbomb
Devastating nuclear device
A superbomb is a bomb of extraordinary destructive power—typically a hydrogen bomb or thermonuclear weapon, as distinguished from conventional atomic bombs.
The term emerged during Cold War arms development when nations raced to create weapons exponentially more powerful than those dropped on Japan: The scientists debated the ethics of building the superbomb.
Involving nuclear fusion heat
- fissionNuclear breakup releasing energy
- fusionJoining into unity
- plutoniumActinide, atomic number 94
- uraniumElement ninety-two
megaton · kiloton · fallout · radioactivity · Hiroshima · Nagasaki · shockwave · radiation
Utter, complete destruction
- obliterationTotal destruction or erasure
- devastationSevere widespread destruction
- apocalypticPertaining to ultimate devastation
- cataclysmViolent, large-scale disaster
vaporization · incineration · firestorm · doomsday · wasteland · crater · desolation · aftermath
Thing that discourages action
- strategicDeliberately planned for advantage
- MADMutual annihilation doctrine
- stockpileAccumulated reserve supply
- arsenalStockpile of munitions
proliferation · testing · deployment · silo · submarine-launched · treaty · disarmament · escalation
Enormously successful entertainment property
- showstopperSpectacular crowd-pleasing performance
- knockoutIncapacitating final blow
- bombshellShocking sudden revelation
- sensationPerceived stimulus or phenomenon
juggernaut · powerhouse · game-changer · crowd-pleaser · chart-topper · phenomenon
thermonuclear
Involving nuclear fusion heat
uranium · megaton · kiloton · fallout · radioactivity · Hiroshima · Nagasaki · shockwave · radiation · warhead
annihilation
Utter, complete destruction
- obliterationTotal destruction or erasure
- devastationSevere widespread destruction
- apocalypticPertaining to ultimate devastation
cataclysm · vaporization · incineration · firestorm · doomsday · wasteland · crater · desolation · aftermath · casualties
deterrent
Thing that discourages action
- strategicDeliberately planned for advantage
- MADMutual annihilation doctrine
- stockpileAccumulated reserve supply
arsenal · proliferation · testing · deployment · silo · submarine-launched · treaty · disarmament · escalation · retaliation
blockbuster
Enormously successful entertainment property
- showstopperSpectacular crowd-pleasing performance
- knockoutIncapacitating final blow
- bombshellShocking sudden revelation
sensation · juggernaut · powerhouse · game-changer · crowd-pleaser · chart-topper · phenomenon
superbombfirecracker
Small celebratory explosive device
popgun · cap gun · cherry bomb · hand grenade · small arms
superbombprimitive weapon
Early combat tool
club · rock · spear · bow and arrow · pipe bomb