torpedo
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torpedo
A cigar-shaped, self-propelled underwater projectile that is fired from submarines, ships, or aircraft and explodes when it hits a target.
Das U-Boot feuerte einen Torpedo auf das feindliche Schiff ab.
The submarine fired a torpedo at the enemy ship.
In a military context, a torpedo is typically combined with verbs such as 'abfeuern' (to fire), 'abschießen' (to launch/fire), or 'starten' (to launch). The target is 'getroffen' (hit) by a torpedo.
Das U-Boot hat zwei Torpedos abgefeuert.
The submarine fired two torpedoes.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context. If the topic is politics, discussions, or business, it usually refers to a person or an aggressive action, not the weapon.
In der Talkshow trat der Journalist als rhetorischer Torpedo gegen die Regierung auf.
On the talk show, the journalist appeared as a rhetorical torpedo against the government.
In the figurative meaning, a 'Torpedo' (torpedo) is a person or action intended to cause destruction or disruption in a targeted way. The metaphor emphasizes its aggressive and purposeful character.
Die Firma setzte einen externen Berater als Torpedo ein, um unpopuläre Entscheidungen durchzusetzen.
The company used an external consultant as a torpedo to push through unpopular decisions.
rocket
'die Rakete' and 'der Torpedo' can both be projectiles that move by themselves and can hit a target. The important difference is the place and type of movement: a 'Rakete' flies through the air or into outer space and is powered by a rocket engine. A 'Torpedo' moves underwater and is fired, for example, from a submarine or ship. The words can be confused because both often appear in military contexts. As a simple guide: rockets fly, torpedoes move underwater.
Das U-Boot feuerte einen Torpedo auf das feindliche Schiff ab.
The submarine fired a torpedo at the enemy ship.
Die Rakete startete am frühen Morgen von der Militärbasis.
The rocket launched from the military base early in the morning.