Origin of germ warfare

First recorded in 1935–40

British Dictionary definitions for germ warfare

germ warfare

noun

the military use of disease-spreading bacteria against an enemy Also called: bacteriological warfare

Cultural definitions for germ warfare

germ warfare

The use of microorganisms in war to injure or destroy humans, animals, or crops. This type of warfare is outlawed by international treaty, but facilities for developing biological weapons exist in some countries. (See bioterrorism (see also bioterrorism) and biological warfare.)