warship
UK: ˈwɔːʃɪp | US: ˈwɔːrʃɪp
n. a ship equipped with weapons and designed for combat in warfare
The word "warship" is a straightforward compound of "war" (Old English wyrre, meaning armed conflict) and "ship" (Old English scip, meaning a seafaring vessel). It emerged in Middle English (circa 1300s) to describe vessels specifically built for battle, reflecting the functional combination of its morphemes. The term has retained its transparent structure, making it easily interpretable across centuries.
The navy deployed a new warship to patrol the disputed waters.
Ancient warships relied on sails and oars for propulsion.
The museum displays a model of a 19th-century ironclad warship.
Modern warships are equipped with advanced missile systems.
The treaty limited the number of warships each nation could possess.