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Definition of napalm

napalm

/ˈneɪ.pɑːm/
na · palm
Plural:napalms
•
Past Simple:napalmed
•
Past Participle:napalmed
•
Present Participle:napalming
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napalm Lexical Profile

napalm Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A highly flammable, sticky jelly made by thickening gasoline or a similar fuel with special chemical soaps, used in incendiary devices and flamethrowers.

Example

"The history documentary examined the controversial use of napalm and its lasting environmental impact on tropical forests."

• verb

1

To attack, burn, or destroy with napalm.

Example

"During the conflict, aircraft were ordered to napalm the dense jungle canopy to clear supply routes."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for napalm

• Nearby Words

nap
napa
napa cabbage
napalm
nape
naperville
napkin

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1942 at Harvard University by chemist Louis Fieser and his team as a portmanteau of 'naphthenic' acid and 'palmitic' acid, the two original thickening agents used to gel the fuel.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Napalm. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/napalm
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