shaped charge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Military/Engineering
Quick answer
What does “shaped charge” mean?
An explosive charge with a hollow cavity or liner that is designed to focus its explosive force into a narrow, high-velocity jet, used for penetrating armor, cutting metal, or blasting in mining.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An explosive charge with a hollow cavity or liner that is designed to focus its explosive force into a narrow, high-velocity jet, used for penetrating armor, cutting metal, or blasting in mining.
Any device or system engineered to concentrate energy or force in a specific, predictable direction. In metaphorical use, it can describe a highly targeted, precise effort or criticism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Spelling of related words follows regional conventions (e.g., 'armour' vs. 'armor').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. The metaphorical extension is rare in both.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to larger military-industrial discourse, but the term is specialist in both.
Grammar
How to Use “shaped charge” in a Sentence
The shaped charge [penetrated/vaporized/cut] the [target].A shaped charge was [designed/detonated/deployed] to [achieve a purpose].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shaped charge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engineers shaped-charged the obsolete vessel for a demolition test. (rare, informal verbing)
American English
- They shaped-charged the steel plate to demonstrate its penetrating power. (rare, informal verbing)
adjective
British English
- The shaped-charge warhead was fitted to the missile.
- He launched a shaped-charge critique of the policy.
American English
- The shaped-charge effect is predictable.
- The reporter's shaped-charge questions exposed the flaw.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possible in high-stakes negotiation metaphors: 'Their market analysis was a shaped charge aimed at our weakest product.'
Academic
Used in engineering, materials science, and military history papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary context. Used in explosives engineering, ballistic testing, demolition, oil well perforation, and armor design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shaped charge”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shaped charge”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shaped charge”
- Using as a verb (*'They shaped-charged the wall').
- Misspelling as 'shape charge' (missing -ed).
- Confusing with 'shaped charge' meaning 'a charge that has a shape' rather than the specific explosive device.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A shaped charge is a specific type of explosive device designed for directional penetration, not for general blast or fragmentation.
Yes, but it's rare and stylistically marked. It describes a highly focused, penetrating argument, critique, or piece of information designed to break through a specific barrier.
It is a layer of material (often metal like copper) lining the cavity. Upon detonation, this liner collapses and forms the high-velocity jet that does the penetrating.
Commonly in the oil and gas industry for perforating well casings, in demolition for precise cutting, and in mining for specific rock-breaking tasks.
An explosive charge with a hollow cavity or liner that is designed to focus its explosive force into a narrow, high-velocity jet, used for penetrating armor, cutting metal, or blasting in mining.
Shaped charge is usually technical/military/engineering in register.
Shaped charge: in British English it is pronounced /ˌʃeɪpt ˈtʃɑːdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌʃeɪpt ˈtʃɑːrdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A verbal shaped charge (metaphorical, rare)”
- “Like a shaped charge of information”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'shaped charge' like a magnifying glass focusing sunlight into a hot point, but with explosives. The SHAPE of the charge CHANNELS the energy.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS FOCUSED FORCE / CRITICISM IS A PENETRATING WEAPON.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a shaped charge?