Shrapnel

/ˈʃræp.nəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Fragments of a bomb, shell, or other object thrown out by an explosion.

The ground was littered with shrapnel after the artillery barrage.

A term used to describe debris caused by the explosion of a bomb or shell.

He suffered injuries from the shrapnel that flew through the air during the explosion.

Metaphorically, it can refer to scattered pieces of something (like damage or harm) resulting from a larger event.

The shrapnel of the scandal affected many innocent bystanders.

Named after Major Henry Shrapnel, who invented a type of artillery shell.

caught in the shrapnel

to be affected by the damaging or destructive side effects of a conflict or situation.

shrapnel wounds

injuries caused by flying debris from an explosion.

fragment

A piece broken off or detached from something.

explosive

A substance or device that can cause an explosion.

shell

A projectile that is fired from a large gun.

To be in a messy or chaotic situation.

After the argument, the room was shrapnel.

A situation that has become dangerous or out of control.

That party ended up in shrapnel after the cops showed up.