What does torpedoing mean?
“Torpedoing” is the present participle of “torpedo” and describes the act of striking a vessel or other target with an explosive torpedo. In figurative use, it means deliberately ruining or thwarting an undertaking, relationship, or set of chances: a report may torpedo a promotion, while hostile criticism can torpedo a project. The expression carries a forceful, destructive connotation, suggesting that the target is being undermined at a decisive or vulnerable point. Because it evokes a weapon designed to disable a ship, the figurative use is especially effective for plans and prospects whose success depends on remaining intact. In general usage, torpedoing is most natural as a transitive action, often in political, business, or competitive contexts, and it is less common than the shorter forms “torpedoed” and “torpedo.” Its interest lies in this vivid transfer from naval warfare to the destruction of promising developments.
verbPresent participle of torpedo: to attack or sink a vessel with an explosive torpedo. Figuratively, it means to ruin, thwart, or destroy the prospects of a plan, relationship, or undertaking.
- To attack or sink a vessel or other target using a torpedo.
- To deliberately ruin, undermine, or thwart a plan, relationship, or prospect.
"By torpedoing enemy supply lines, the submarine cut off vital supplies before the campaign began."
"The submarine was torpedoing merchant ships along the coast."
"The committee torpedoed the proposal by refusing to discuss it."
A single torpedo can sink a ship; figuratively, a well-placed leak can torpedo an entire career.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of torpedoing
Torpedoing is formed from torpedo, which entered English from Italian torpedine, a diminutive of torpedo, ultimately from Latin torpedo, meaning numbness or sluggishness, and torpedere, meaning to make numb. The word acquired its familiar sense of an explosive underwater projectile during the nineteenth century, and the verb developed both literal and figurative military uses. Torpor, torpid, and torporous belong to the same Latin family of words associated with numbness and inactivity.
Related word forms
How torpedoing is actually used
Usually transitive and normally used in a serious or forceful register. The figurative sense is common in political, business, and competitive contexts; torpedoed is generally more frequent as a past-tense form.