A weapon of mass destruction (WMD) is a weapon that can kill and bring significant harm to a large number of humans (and other life forms) and/or cause great damage to man-made structures (e.g. buildings), natural structures (e.g. mountains), or the biosphere in general. The scope and application of the term has evolved and been disputed, often signifying more politically than technically. Coined in reference to aerial bombing with chemical explosives, it has come to distinguish large-scale weaponry of other technologies, such as chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear. This differentiates the term from more technical ones such as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons (CBRN).
Read more about Weapon Of Mass Destruction: Early Uses of The Term Weapon of Mass Destruction, Treaties, United States Politics, Media Coverage of WMD, Public Perceptions of WMD, WMD in Popular Culture, Common Hazard Symbols
Famous quotes containing the words weapon of, weapon, mass and/or destruction:
“The weapon of the Republic is terror, and virtue is its strength.”
—Georg Büchner (1813–1837)
“It is my duty to prevent, through the independence of Cuba, the U.S.A. from spreading over the West Indies and falling with added weight upon other lands of Our America. All I have done up to now and shall do hereafter is to that end.... I know the Monster, because I have lived in its lair—and my weapon is only the slingshot of David.”
—José Martí (1853–1895)
“May they rest in peace.
[Requiescant in pace.]”
—Missal, The. Order of Mass for the Dead.
The Missal is book of prayers and rites used to celebrate the Roman Catholic mass during the year.
“The least pain in our little finger gives us more concern and uneasiness than the destruction of millions of our fellow-beings.”
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830)