Demine
Word of the Day
What is Demine?
verb
To remove landmines or other explosive devices from an area.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Selected to highlight the global efforts and importance of mine clearance activities recognized on this day.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The organization worked tirelessly to demine the war-torn region.
Engineers were deployed to demine the area before reconstruction could begin.
Efforts to demine former battlefields have made significant progress.
Word Origins
From French démine, from dé- (remove) + mine.
Originally used in military contexts; now common in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.
First appearance in English: 20th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Verb:
They plan to demine the area before resettlement.
-
Noun:
The deminer carefully inspected the field for hidden explosives.
-
Noun:
Demining is a crucial step in post-conflict recovery.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: desminar
- French: déminer
- German: entminen
- Italian: sminare
- Portuguese: desminar
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Defuse
To render a bomb or explosive device harmless; broader than “demine”, which specifically refers to landmines.
Clear
To remove obstacles or dangers; “demine” is a specialized form of clearing explosives.
Neutralize
To make ineffective; “demine” is a physical removal process, while “neutralize” can be broader.
Fun Facts
- Modern demining techniques include the use of trained rats to detect explosives.
- The Ottawa Treaty, signed by over 160 countries, aims to eliminate the use of anti-personnel mines.
Cultural Usage
- UN peacekeepers continue to demine areas affected by past conflicts to ensure civilian safety.
- The documentary “The Deminers” showcases the challenges faced by those who demine former war zones.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes confused with “defuse”; however, “demine” specifically refers to removing landmines, while “defuse” refers to rendering a device harmless.
Micro Story
The NGO trained locals to demine the fields, restoring safety to the community.