fragmentation grenade: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very LowTechnical / Military
Quick answer
What does “fragmentation grenade” mean?
A small, handheld explosive weapon designed to be thrown, which explodes and releases high-velocity fragments of its casing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, handheld explosive weapon designed to be thrown, which explodes and releases high-velocity fragments of its casing.
A generic term for a lethal explosive device that uses its outer shell as shrapnel. Can be used metaphorically to describe any rapidly disintegrating or dispersing entity with destructive potential.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. British forces may more formally refer to the L109 series, while US forces use 'M67' colloquially. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Primarily military/technical. In civilian contexts, associated with warfare, violence, or video games. No national divergence in connotation.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American media due to greater prevalence of military-related content and discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “fragmentation grenade” in a Sentence
[Subject: Soldier/Insurgent] + [Verb: throws/lobs/pulls pin on] + [Direct Object: a fragmentation grenade] + [Prepositional Phrase: into/at/towards the building/position][Subject: Fragmentation grenade] + [Verb: detonates/explodes/goes off]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fragmentation grenade” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The unit was fragmented by grenade fire.
- The squad will fragment the enemy position with grenades.
American English
- The platoon fragmented the assault using grenades.
- Their lines were fragmented by the grenade attack.
adverb
British English
- The device exploded fragmentationally.
- (Rarely used; more common: 'The grenade burst, fragmenting lethally.')
American English
- (Rare; typically paraphrased.)
adjective
British English
- The fragmentation effect was devastating.
- He suffered fragmentation injuries.
American English
- The fragmentation damage was extensive.
- A fragmentation hazard zone was established.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The hostile takeover bid was a fragmentation grenade that scattered the board's cohesion.'
Academic
Used in military history, conflict studies, political science (metaphor), and engineering texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside discussions of war, history, or video games.
Technical
Standard term in military manuals, ordnance specifications, and tactical discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fragmentation grenade”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fragmentation grenade”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fragmentation grenade”
- Confusing with 'grenade' (general term).
- Misspelling as 'fragment grenade' (common but non-standard elision).
- Using it in casual contexts where 'grenade' suffices, creating an overly specific tone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'frag grenade' is a common military and colloquial shortening of 'fragmentation grenade'.
Yes, in political or business writing, it can describe an event or action that causes a group to splinter violently.
'Hand grenade' is the broad category; a 'fragmentation grenade' is a specific type designed to kill with shrapnel.
Typically 3-5 seconds, depending on the model, as determined by its fuze delay.
A small, handheld explosive weapon designed to be thrown, which explodes and releases high-velocity fragments of its casing.
Fragmentation grenade is usually technical / military in register.
Fragmentation grenade: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfræɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən ɡrəˈneɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfræɡ.mənˈteɪ.ʃən ɡrəˈneɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A political fragmentation grenade (metaphorical): a statement or action that shatters group unity.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a glass globe (GRENade) that FRAGments into a million pieces (FRAGmentation).
Conceptual Metaphor
DESTRUCTION IS RAPID DISPERSAL / A PROBLEM IS AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE ('the scandal was a fragmentation grenade for the campaign').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary lethal mechanism of a fragmentation grenade?