improvised explosive device

English

Alternative forms
  • IED (abbreviation)

Etymology

Coined by the British Army during the Northern Ireland War to refer to IRA booby traps. Entered common use in the U.S. during the Iraq War.

Noun

improvised explosive device (plural improvised explosive devices)

  1. An unconventional or amateur explosive weapon made from nonmilitary components, especially one used by guerillas, commandos or terrorists.

Coordinate terms

Translations
explosive weapon — See also translations at IED
This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.