What does "missile" mean?

1. (thrown object) any object, like a stone or a bottle, that is thrown at someone to hurt them.

How do you use "missile"?

Usually refers to improvised weapons in a riot or protest context.

missile

US //ˈmɪsəɫ// UK //mˈɪsaɪl// mis·sile

1 thrown object (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

any object, like a stone or a bottle, that is thrown at someone to hurt them.

any object thrown or projected as a weapon. In legal or formal reporting, this often refers to improvised objects used during civil unrest.

Example

The protesters began throwing stones and other missiles at the line of police.

Example

The crowd was warned that anyone seen launching missiles at the security forces would be detained immediately.

Usage

Usually refers to improvised weapons in a riot or protest context.

Teacher's tip

This sense is more common in formal police reports or news coverage of protests than in everyday conversation.
- projectile

Origin

From Latin missile (“thrown weapon, projectile”), neuter of missilis (“throwable, capable of being thrown”), from mittere (“to send”). From 1611. Compare Middle French missile (“projectile”), from 1636.