A "Doomsday Device" is a theoretical weapon or mechanism designed to cause widespread destruction or catastrophic events, often as a deterrent against attacks. The concept is frequently associated with nuclear weapons, where the idea is that the mere existence of such a device can prevent conflict through the fear of mutual destruction. In popular culture, the term is often used in movies and literature to describe devices that could annihilate humanity or the planet. Notable examples include the Doomsday Machine in the film Dr. Strangelove and various fictional devices in science fiction narratives, highlighting the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding such powerful technologies.