Barrage: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• The politician faced a barrage of questions from reporters
• The village was under a constant barrage of artillery fire

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.

• The city endured a bombardment that lasted for days
• The company faced a bombardment of negative reviews

This term specifically refers to the firing of explosive shells as a form of attack, usually in a military context.

• The town was subject to heavy shelling during the conflict
• Civilians were evacuated quickly due to the shelling

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.

• The city was under attack by enemy forces
• She felt attacked by his harsh words

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.

• The politician faced a barrage of questions from reporters
• The city was under a barrage of artillery fire

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.

• The coastal area braced for the incoming storm
• He left the meeting in a storm of anger

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.

• After the announcement, the company received a deluge of applications
• The region was hit by a deluge, causing severe flooding

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.

• The village was unprepared for the onslaught of the invading army
• She faced an onslaught of criticism following her controversial remarks

Used to describe a concentrated, continuous attack or flow of questions, criticisms, or information.

• She faced a barrage of questions from the press.
• The team launched a barrage of emails to the customers.

Used when referring to an overwhelming, repeated attack with projectiles, questions, or messages. Often implies intensity.

• The city was bombarded during the war.
• He was bombarded with spam emails.

Used when describing a repeated, often aggressive throwing or beating, typically with small objects.

• The children pelted each other with snowballs.
• She was pelted with questions as soon as she finished her speech.

Used to describe a large number of things arriving all at once, often implying an overwhelming amount.

• She was flooded with memories when she visited her old home.
• After the announcement, we were flooded with orders.