weapon of mass destruction
die Massenvernichtungswaffe, die Massenvernichtungswaffen
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weapon of mass destruction
A weapon that can kill very large numbers of people or cause extensive destruction in a short period of time. This includes, in particular, nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.
Der Einsatz einer Massenvernichtungswaffe könnte verheerende Folgen für die gesamte Region haben.
The use of a weapon of mass destruction could have devastating consequences for the entire region.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Massenvernichtungswaffen |
| genitive | der Massenvernichtungswaffe |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Massenvernichtungswaffe | die Massenvernichtungswaffen |
| accusative | die Massenvernichtungswaffe | die Massenvernichtungswaffen |
| dative | der Massenvernichtungswaffe | den Massenvernichtungswaffen |
| genitive | der Massenvernichtungswaffe | der Massenvernichtungswaffen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Massenvernichtungswaffe' is made up of 'Massen' (masses), 'Vernichtung' (destruction), and 'Waffe' (weapon). The 's' connects 'Vernichtung' and 'Waffe' in the compound.
Der Besitz einer Massenvernichtungswaffe ist international stark umstritten.
Possessing a weapon of mass destruction is highly controversial internationally.
Common collocations include 'eine Massenvernichtungswaffe einsetzen' (to use a weapon of mass destruction), 'eine Massenvernichtungswaffe besitzen' (to possess a weapon of mass destruction), and 'vor einer Massenvernichtungswaffe warnen' (to warn about a weapon of mass destruction). The plural is also very common in political and security related texts.
Die Regierung warnte davor, eine Massenvernichtungswaffe einzusetzen.
The government warned against using a weapon of mass destruction.
The word mainly belongs to the specialized language of politics, the military, and international law. It frequently appears in news reports and official statements about international security.
In der internationalen Debatte spielt der mögliche Einsatz einer Massenvernichtungswaffe eine wichtige Rolle.
The possible use of a weapon of mass destruction plays an important role in the international debate.
