nuked

Nuked is a slang term that refers to the destruction or severe damage of something, often a place or an object, by nuclear weapons. This term implies catastrophic and widespread devastation, a direct consequence of a nuclear explosion. It can be used literally to describe the aftermath of a nuclear attack, or figuratively to denote the complete ruin of something due to an overwhelming force or event.

The figurative use of "nuked" extends beyond physical destruction. For instance, a computer system can be described as "nuked" if it has been corrupted or rendered unusable. Similarly, a business or a project might be considered "nuked" if it has failed spectacularly or been dismantled entirely. This metaphorical usage highlights the totality of the destruction implied by the term.

The origin of the term is directly tied to the development and use of nuclear weapons, particularly after World War II. The immense power of these weapons created a new paradigm of destruction, leading to the adoption of "nuked" to describe such events. The word itself is a shortened form of "nuclear," emphasizing the source of the destructive power. The impact of nuclear weapons on warfare and global politics has made "nuked" a potent and widely understood term in various contexts.