ANTIPERSONNEL Meaning and
Definition
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The term "antipersonnel" refers to something that is specifically designed or intended to harm or kill human beings. It is primarily used in the context of weapons or devices that are created with the purpose of inflicting injury or causing the death of individuals. The prefix "anti-" in "antipersonnel" denotes opposition or hostility towards someone, in this case, human beings.
Antipersonnel weapons are explicitly designed to target and harm humans rather than other objects or structures. They are typically used in military operations and warfare, aiming to incapacitate or kill enemy combatants. Such weapons include landmines, cluster bombs, and various explosive devices that are strategically placed or dispersed to maximize damage to individuals within a specific area.
The intent behind antipersonnel weapons is to cause casualties and disrupt enemy forces, making them an integral part of defensive or offensive military strategies. Due to their indiscriminate nature, these weapons pose a significant risk to both military personnel and civilian populations, as they may cause harm to unintended targets such as bystanders or non-combatants.
In recent years, there has been a global effort to ban the use and production of antipersonnel weapons, as they can cause long-lasting harm and collateral damage. International treaties, such as the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and the Ottawa Treaty, aim to limit the proliferation and use of these weapons, emphasizing the protection of civilian lives and the adherence to humanitarian principles in armed conflicts.
Common Misspellings for ANTIPERSONNEL
Etymology of ANTIPERSONNEL
The word "antipersonnel" is composed of two parts: "anti-" and "personnel".
The prefix "anti-" is derived from the Greek word "anti" meaning "opposite" or "against". It is commonly used to indicate opposition or resistance to something.
The term "personnel" is derived from the French word "personnel" meaning "staff" or "employees". It entered the English language in the early 19th century and refers to the individuals employed by an organization or a military force.
Therefore, when combined, "antipersonnel" literally means "against personnel" or "opposing individuals". In military contexts, it specifically refers to weapons or devices designed to harm or target individual human beings.
Similar spelling words for ANTIPERSONNEL
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