An IED is a simple bomb that is made and used by someone who is not in the army, often using materials that are not usually used for making bombs. IED is an abbreviation for 'improvised explosive device'.
The soldiers were killed by a roadside IED.
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IED in British English
abbreviation for
improvised explosive device
improvised explosive device in British English
noun
a home-made explosive device designed to maim, harass, or kill