I. tȯr-ˈpē-(ˌ)dō noun
( plural -does )
Etymology: Latin, literally, stiffness, numbness, from torpēre to be sluggish or numb — more at torpid
Date: circa 1520
1. : electric ray
2. : a weapon for destroying ships by rupturing their hulls below the waterline: as
a. : a submarine mine
b. : a thin cylindrical self-propelled underwater projectile
3. : a small firework that explodes when thrown against a hard object
4. : a professional gunman or assassin
5. : submarine 2
II. transitive verb
( tor·pe·doed ; tor·pe·do·ing -ˈpē-də-wiŋ)
Date: circa 1879
1. : to hit or sink (a ship) with a naval torpedo : strike or destroy by torpedo
2. : to destroy or nullify altogether : wreck
torpedo a plan