Naval Warfare Vocabulary

noun the process of arming for war

• The country invested heavily in upgrading its military armament.
• The soldiers showed off their new armament during the training exercise.
• That store has some serious armament for sale!
• Her sharp wit was her best armament in any argument.

noun a barrier or obstacle that prevents movement or access

verb to create a barrier or obstacle to prevent movement or access

• The government imposed a blockade on the port to prevent any illegal goods from entering the country.
• The protesters set up a blockade on the highway to stop traffic.
• The gang put a blockade on the street to keep their rivals out of their territory.
• Her fear of failure acted as a mental blockade, preventing her from taking any risks.

noun a strongly worded critical attack

adjective involving full use of all resources or elements; comprehensive and intense

• The company issued a broadside against their competitors in the industry.
• The boss went on a broadside rant about the new project deadline.
• The team member hit them with a broadside during the meeting.
• The politician's speech was a broadside against corruption in government.

noun A person or thing that destroys, causes ruin or damage

• The navy deployed a powerful destroyer to protect the coastline.
• The destroyer ship is so cool, it's like a floating fortress.
• That destroyer is a beast on the water, nothing can touch it.
• His sharp words were like a destroyer, tearing down her self-esteem.

noun the practice or skill of firing guns

• The naval officer received specialized training in gunnery tactics.
• He's really good at gunnery practice on the shooting range.
• Let's go hit up the gunnery range and show off our skills.
• Her sharp wit was like the precision of a skilled gunnery officer.

noun the act of impressing or taking people or property by force, especially for military service

• Impressment was a common practice used by the British navy during the 18th century to forcibly recruit sailors.
• Impressment was like getting drafted into the navy against your will back in the day.
• Man, impressment was just straight up kidnapping sailors for the navy.
• The company's policy of impressment of ideas from employees led to a lack of innovation and creativity.

noun military weapons and ammunition; equipment for war

• The military base is well-stocked with various types of ordnance.
• Make sure you don't accidentally set off any of the ordnance lying around.
• I heard they're bringing in some heavy ordnance for the big operation.
• Her sharp words were like emotional ordnance, causing explosions in their relationship.

noun a merchant ship or vessel

• The merchantman sailed across the ocean with a valuable cargo of spices.
• The merchantman ship is loaded with goods from different countries.
• The merchantman is making a fortune by trading goods from port to port.
• The merchantman of information is always seeking out new sources to trade with.

noun a type of explosive device that is dropped from an aircraft and detonates upon impact or when triggered remotely

• The military used aerial mines to protect the airspace from enemy aircraft.
• Watch out for those aerial mines up ahead, they could be dangerous!
• I wouldn't fly over that area, it's full of aerial mines.
• Her words were like aerial mines, exploding with unexpected impact.

noun a raised structure at the rear of a ship, above the cabin, used for defense or as a vantage point

• The aftercastle of the ship provided a commanding view of the surrounding sea.
• Let's hang out in the aftercastle and enjoy the sunset.
• I heard there's a secret party happening in the aftercastle tonight.
• His mind was like an aftercastle, always observing and strategizing from a distance.