How Do You Spell PETARD?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛtɑːd] (IPA)

The word "petard" is often spelled incorrectly due to its unusual pronunciation. The correct phonetic transcription is /pɪˈtɑːd/, which reveals that the "e" at the end is silent. This can lead to confusion, as it is often misspelled as "petard" or "petar". Despite its sometimes-confusing spelling, the word refers to a small bomb used in medieval warfare to blow up gates and walls. Today, the phrase "hoist with his own petard" means to be caught in one's own trap.

PETARD Meaning and Definition

1. Petard

   noun

   Definition:

   1. A small explosive device used to breach fortifications, typically in military operations. It consists of a container filled with explosives, which is attached to a wall or a gate and detonated to create a hole or an opening.

   2. (idiomatic) To be hoisted by one's own petard: To be harmed or caught in one's own trap or scheme intended for someone else.

   Origin:

   The term "petard" originated from the French word "pétard" which means "firecracker" or "a small bomb." It entered the English language around the late 16th century during the Renaissance.

   Usage:

   1. The soldiers used a petard to blow open the castle gates, allowing them to storm the fortress.

   2. The spy was hoisted by his own petard when his plans were uncovered and used against him.

   3. Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, contains the famous line: "For 'tis the sport to have the enginer/ Hoist with his owne petar." Here, "enginer" refers to a military engineer who operates the petard, and "hoist with his owne petar" means to be blown up by one's own explosive device.

   Synonyms:

   bomb, explosive, explosive device, firecracker, mine, charge, munition, hoisted by one's own petard

2. A short piece of ordnance of a bell shape, formerly used for bursting open gates, destroying bridges, &c., by explosion-a bag or bags of gunpowder are now found to be as effective.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PETARD

• leatard
• peiord
• pesterd
• redard
• peerd
• returd
• pertand
• retaird
• pitard
• petar
• teard
• perpard
• petend
• peted
• retaerd
• petry
• petorl
• peasd
• petward
• petared
• petardd
• petarrd
• pettard
• tetard
• petood
• pettre
• pebird
• pedara
• tertard
• wetbrd
• hetarea
• peberell
• ezard
• ekard
• eetar
• ethrd
• pukard
• tetari
• tetarh
• pettri
• Petari
• petiar
• Pebord
• Pentary
• Petardar
• Sentard
• Pecarp
• Putcarde
• Detared
• Teutard
• Opetaid

Etymology of PETARD

The word "petard" has its origins in French. It comes from the Old French word "peter", meaning "to break wind" or "to fart". In the 16th century, a petard referred to a small bomb used (along with gunpowder) to breach gates or walls during military operations. The word eventually made its way into English as "petard", still used to refer to a small explosive device.

Idioms with the word PETARD

• be hoist/hoisted by/with your own petard The idiom "be hoist/hoisted by/with your own petard" originates from a quote by William Shakespeare in his play "Hamlet." It means to be harmed or affected by one's own plans or actions, the consequences of which were intended for others. The word "petard" referred to a small bomb or explosive device used in warfare during Shakespeare's time. So, being "hoist by/with your own petard" metaphorically expresses the idea of a person being caught, hurt, or defeated by the very device or strategy they intended to use against someone else.
• hoist by/with (one's) own petard The idiom "hoist by/with (one's) own petard" means to be harmed or caught in one's own trap or scheme. It refers to a situation where someone's own actions, intentions, or devices backfire and cause them trouble or misfortune. The word "petard" originally referred to a small bomb used for breaching walls, but in this idiom, it metaphorically represents a person's own plan or device turned against them.
• hoist by your own petard The idiom "hoist by your own petard" is a phrase derived from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" and it means to be caught or harmed by one's own plans, actions, or devices. It refers to a situation where someone's own strategy, plot, or scheme backfires and ends up causing harm or difficulty for themselves instead of their intended target. The term "petard" refers to an explosive device used in medieval warfare, and to be "hoisted" refers to being lifted up, caught, or defeated. Therefore, being "hoist by your own petard" metaphorically represents the idea of someone being undone or harmed by their own actions.
• hoist with one's own petard The idiom "hoist with one's own petard" means to be caught or harmed by one's own plan or scheme, often resulting in unintended consequences or ironic outcomes. It originates from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" and refers to a person being blown up by their own explosive device, called a "petard." In a figurative sense, it implies that someone's actions or intentions have backfired on them, leading to their downfall or embarrassment.
• be hoist(ed) with/by your own petard The idiom "be hoist(ed) with/by your own petard" means to suffer the consequences of one's own actions or to be harmed by one's own schemes or plans. It derives from Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, where a petard is an explosive device used in warfare. If someone is hoisted by their own petard, it means that their own actions or intentions have backfired on them, causing them harm or defeat.
• be hoist with one's own petard The idiom "be hoist with one's own petard" means to suffer the consequences of one's own actions or plans. It originates from William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," where a petard was a small bomb used in warfare. If someone is hoisted (blown) up by their own petard, it implies that their own schemes or actions have backfired, causing harm or trouble for themselves.
• hoist with your own petard The idiom "hoist with your own petard" means to be harmed or defeated by one's own actions or schemes. It refers to a person who is caught in their own trap or a plan backfiring on them. The term "petard" refers to a small explosive device used in warfare, and "hoist" implies being blown up or thrown upward by it. Thus, being "hoist with your own petard" suggests suffering the consequences of one's own machinations.
• be hoist by (one's) own petard The idiom "be hoist by one's own petard" means to suffer the negative consequences of one's own actions or plans, often due to a miscalculation or mistake. It originates from William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," where "petard" refers to a small explosive device used to breach gates or walls. Being "hoist" signifies being blown up or thrown by the explosion, ultimately symbolizing one's own plan backfiring on them.
• hoist with (or by) your own petard The idiom "hoist with (or by) your own petard" originates from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" and is used to describe a situation in which someone is harmed or caught in their own trap or scheme. The word "hoist" refers to being lifted or thrown upward, while a "petard" is a small explosive device used to breach doors or walls. Therefore, the expression implies that someone is blown up or harmed by their own plan or actions.
• be hoist by/with your own petard The idiom "be hoist by/with your own petard" means to be harmed or defeated by one's own plan, plot, or device. It originates from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," where a petard refers to a small bomb used to breach gates. If someone is hoisted (blown up) by their own petard, it metaphorically means they have been undone by their own actions or intentions.

Plural form of PETARD is PETARDS