Barrage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
💥
barrage
[bəˈrɑːʒ ]
Definitions
military
A concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide area, often preceding an attack.
Synonyms
attack, bombardment, shelling.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| barrage |
This term is often used to describe a continuous, heavy attack of words, criticisms, or questions. It can be both literal, referring to physical artillery fire, or metaphorical.
|
| bombardment |
Primarily used in a military context to describe heavy, continuous bombing or shelling. It can also be used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming number of things happening at once.
|
| shelling |
This term specifically refers to the firing of explosive shells as a form of attack, usually in a military context.
|
| attack |
This is a general term used to describe an aggressive action against someone or something. It could be physical, like a military assault, or non-physical, such as verbal criticism.
|
Examples of usage
- The enemy forces were subjected to a heavy barrage before the ground troops advanced.
- The barrage of fire from the warships weakened the enemy's defenses.
weather
A rapid and continuous delivery of something, especially words or blows.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| barrage |
Typically used when referring to an overwhelming quantity of something, especially large amounts of questions, criticisms, or complaints directed towards someone. It can also be used in military terminology referring to a heavy and continuous artillery attack.
|
| storm |
Commonly used to describe a violent weather event, such as heavy rain, snow, or thunderstorms. It can also metaphorically describe a tumultuous situation or outburst of emotions.
|
| deluge |
Often used to describe an overwhelming quantity of something, especially large volumes of water or information. It can also mean a great flood or heavy rainfall.
|
| onslaught |
Used to describe a fierce or destructive attack, often of a physical, verbal, or emotional nature. The term implies a sudden, intense, and vigorous assault.
|
Examples of usage
- She faced a barrage of questions from the reporters.
- The politician has been under a barrage of criticism from the public.
general
To bombard someone with something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| barrage |
Used to describe a concentrated, continuous attack or flow of questions, criticisms, or information.
|
| bombard |
Used when referring to an overwhelming, repeated attack with projectiles, questions, or messages. Often implies intensity.
|
| pelt |
Used when describing a repeated, often aggressive throwing or beating, typically with small objects.
|
| flood |
Used to describe a large number of things arriving all at once, often implying an overwhelming amount.
|
Examples of usage
- The teacher barraged the students with assignments.
- The company barraged its customers with promotional emails.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Military History
- During World War I, artillery barrages were used to soften enemy defenses before infantry assaults.
- A well-planned barrage could devastate enemy trenches and prepare the frontline for an attack.
- The concept of a barrage evolved with technology, leading to more precise and varied artillery strategies.
Pop Culture
- In many action movies, characters face a barrage of gunfire while trying to escape – showcasing the intense pressure of combat.
- The term is often used in music and film criticism, describing an overwhelming amount of content or emotions delivered at once.
- Comedians sometimes use the term to describe a rapid-fire delivery of jokes or punchlines, creating a humorous 'barrage' of laughs.
Psychology
- A barrage of information can overwhelm a person's cognitive load, making it hard to focus or make decisions.
- The phenomenon of 'information overload' mirrors the concept of emotional barrages when facing stressful situations.
- Therapists sometimes help clients manage their feelings by breaking down emotional barrages into more manageable parts.
Sports
- In sports commentary, a 'barrage' can describe many points scored rapidly within a short time frame, creating excitement.
- Basketball teams may launch a barrage of three-point shots during a game, turning the tide in their favor.
- The term highlights moments of dominance, where one team overwhelms the other through a series of successful plays.
Origin of 'barrage'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the French term 'barrage,' meaning a barrier or dam, which reflects its original use in military contexts.
- It was first recorded in English in the early 19th century, initially referring to a type of defensive fire.
- The word shifted from describing a physical barrier to metaphorically describing overwhelming amounts of force or information.
The word 'barrage' originated from the French word 'barrage', which means a barrier. In the military context, it was initially used to describe a defensive barrier or obstacle. Over time, the term evolved to also refer to a concentrated artillery bombardment. In modern usage, 'barrage' is commonly used to describe a rapid and continuous delivery of something, be it artillery fire or a series of questions or criticisms.