Barraging - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

military attack

Barraging refers to the intense and sustained bombardment of a specific area, particularly during military operations. It involves the use of artillery, rockets, or aerial attacks to suppress or destroy enemy positions. This tactic is often employed to create a strategic advantage in combat by overwhelming the opposition with a continuous stream of explosive fire. Barraging can also be used in non-military contexts, such as overwhelming someone with questions or requests.

Synonyms

assaulting, bombarding, pounding, shelling.

Examples of usage

The army began barraging the enemy’s fortifications.
She was barraging him with questions about his plans.
They launched a barraging attack to soften up the defenses.
The news conference was a barraging of criticisms against the policy.

Interesting Facts

Military Tactics

In warfare, a barrage refers to a concentrated artillery bombardment on a specific area, intended to provide cover for advancing troops.
Tactical barraging can serve various purposes, including demoralizing the enemy and disrupting their operations.
Modern military strategies still utilize barraging techniques, integrating aerial strikes along with ground forces.

Communication

In media and advertising, a barrage refers to a heavy and continuous stream of information or ads aimed at the public.
Politicians often use barraging during campaigns by sending numerous messages to reinforce their presence and viewpoints.
It's common in social media, where users might exhibit barraging behavior by posting a flurry of updates, photos, or messages all at once.

Psychology

The experience of being barraged with information can lead to cognitive overload, making it difficult for individuals to process or retain messages.
Research shows individuals can become desensitized to repeated exposures, reducing the impact of the barrage on their decision-making.
Motivational tactics often employ a barrage of encouragement or criticism to influence behavior and perceptions.

Pop Culture

Movies and video games often utilize a barrage of special effects and action sequences to capture audience attention.
Television commercials that barrage viewers with fast-paced cuts and vibrant visuals aim to create memorable marketing moments.
Comedians might employ a barrage of jokes in quick succession to maintain audience engagement and laughter.

Origin of 'barraging'

Main points about word origin

The word 'barrage' comes from the French term 'barrage', which means 'barrier' or 'dam'.
Originally used to describe tactics in World War I, where artillery fire was used to suppress enemy movement.
It became popular in English during the early 20th century, evolving to describe an overwhelming outpouring.

The term 'barrage' originates from the early 19th century, derived from the French word 'barrage', meaning 'barrier' or 'obstruction'. Initially used in the context of water, it referred to a barrier to control the flow of a river. By the time of World War I, the term evolved to describe a specific artillery technique, where a continuous and concentrated bombardment was used to protect advancing troops or disrupt enemy lines. The concept of barraging has since been applied in various military strategies and tactics, underscoring its utility in warfare. Today, the word has expanded beyond its military roots to encompass any form of overwhelming pressure or attack, either in physical or metaphorical senses.

Barraging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations