ICBM
ICBM
Pronunciation
IPA phonetic spelling: /ˌaɪ.siː.biːˈɛm/
Sounds of each syllable:
I - /aɪ/ (as in "eye")
C - /siː/ (as in "see")
B - /biː/ (as in "bee")
M - /ɛm/ (as in "em")
Word Form Variations
Singular: ICBM
Plural: ICBMs
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A long-range, nuclear-armed ballistic missile capable of traveling thousands of kilometers to strike a target, typically designed for intercontinental delivery.
Synonyms: Intercontinental ballistic missile (full term), strategic missile, long-range missile.
Antonyms: Short-range missile, tactical missile.
Definition 2: (Figurative, informal) Something or someone of immense, overwhelming power or impact, often used hyperbolically.
Synonyms: Powerhouse, juggernaut, behemoth, force of nature.
Antonyms: Lightweight, weakling, nonentity.
Examples of Use
Books: "The novel Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy vividly describes a scenario involving the launch of an ICBM, highlighting the catastrophic potential of such an event."
Newspapers: "North Korea's recent test of what appeared to be an ICBM has drawn strong condemnation from the international community." (Reuters, July 2024)
Online Publications: "Analysts are debating the effectiveness of current missile defense systems against a sophisticated ICBM attack." (Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, May 2024)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms (Film): "The film Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb features a rogue ICBM as a central plot device, satirizing Cold War anxieties."
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms (Video Games): "In the strategy game Civilization VI, players can research and deploy ICBMs as an end-game technology to achieve global dominance."
General Public Discourse: "During a recent television interview, a former defense secretary discussed the ongoing efforts to modernize the nation's ICBM arsenal."
10 Famous Quotes Using ICBM
"The ICBM has been the backbone of the nuclear deterrent force." (Maj. Gen. Roger Burg, Air & Space Forces Association, December 2023)
"Silicon Valley is actually a prime target for an ICBM missile strike." (Ro Khanna, BrainyQuote)
"It was absolutely clear to us at that time that the creation of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles [ICBMs] was vitally important for assuring -- well, defence capability of the Soviet Union." (Sergei Khrushchev, PBS)
"I would not want to be a leader of a country that had launched ICBMs against the United States." (Steven Weinberg, BrainyQuote)
"And it isn't just ICBMs. It's also cruise missiles." (MS. Creedon, Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, May 2013)
"The ballistic missile defense system that's in place and designed against an ICBM — a limited ICBM threat from North Korea and Iran." (GEN. Formica, Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, May 2013)
"The most obvious rationale for fielding a mobile ICBM is to increase survivability and assure a retaliatory capability." (Air University, unknown date)
"The United States learned that the Soviet Union had embarked upon a massive Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) buildup designed to reach parity with the United States." (Office of the Historian, November 2013)
"Since SALT I did not prevent each side from enlarging their forces through the deployment of Multiple Independently Targeted Re-Entry Vehicles (MIRVs) onto their ICBMs and SLBMs, SALT II initially focused on limiting, and then ultimately reducing, the number of MIRVs." (Office of the Historian, November 2013)
"Under Projekt Amerika, von Braun's team developed the A9/10 ICBM, intended for use in bombing New York and other American cities." (Wikipedia)
Etymology
The word ICBM is an acronym, which means it's formed from the first letters of other words. In this case, it stands for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.
Its etymology is quite straightforward because it emerged directly from the need to describe a new and terrifying weapon developed during the Cold War.
First known use: The term "intercontinental ballistic missile" and its abbreviation "ICBM" began to appear in the mid-1950s. This was the period when both the United States and the Soviet Union were actively developing these long-range missiles.
Meaning at first use: From its very first use, "ICBM" referred to a specific type of missile. It meant a missile that could travel between continents (intercontinental), followed a parabolic trajectory (ballistic, meaning it's unpowered for most of its flight after an initial launch phase), and was a weapon designed to carry a warhead to a distant target (missile). The "intercontinental" aspect was key, as it distinguished these new weapons from shorter-range rockets.
Phrases + Idioms Containing ICBM
Launch an ICBM: To fire an intercontinental ballistic missile.
Deploying ICBMs: The act of positioning these missiles for potential use.
ICBM silo: The underground facility where an ICBM is stored and launched.
Nuclear ICBM: Emphasizing the warhead type, although "ICBM" almost always implies nuclear.
An ICBM in waiting: (Original/Lesser-known) Suggesting a powerful, ready threat.
To have an ICBM in one's back pocket: (Original/Figurative) To possess an ultimate, overwhelming advantage or threat.
The threat of the ICBM: Referring to the inherent danger posed by these weapons.
Deterrence by ICBMs: Describing the strategy of preventing attack through the credible threat of retaliation with these missiles.
Going "ballistic missile" on someone/something: (Using the full phrase's meaning, but less commonly with just "ICBM") To react with extreme, unrestrained force or anger.
A verbal ICBM: (Original/Figurative) A statement or argument delivered with overwhelming force and impact, intended to devastate.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of ICBM from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
