Germ Warfare (Noun)
Meaning
The use of harmful bacteria as a weapon.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- Biological and chemical agents are often intertwined with the concept of germ warfare and the use of pathogens to intentionally cause disease.
- The Japanese made significant advances in germ warfare during World War II, using various types of bacteria and other pathogens.
- The 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention banned the use of biological agents including those for purposes of germ warfare.
- Concerns surrounding germ warfare have led many countries to develop defense systems against bioterrorism attacks.
- Early examples of germ warfare were seen as far back as the Black Death when diseased cadavers were catapulted into enemy cities.