Beachhead: meaning, definitions and examples

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beachhead

 

[ˈbiːtʃhɛd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

military

A beachhead is a temporary line created when a military unit lands and secures a beach for further troops and supplies to come ashore. It is a crucial strategic point in military operations.

Synonyms

bridgehead, foothold.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers successfully established a beachhead on the enemy's shore.
  • The marines fought fiercely to expand the beachhead and secure the area for reinforcements.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term originally referred to a secure position on a beach for troops during military operations.
  • It combines 'beach' (the shore of a body of water) and 'head' (which means a strong point or a position) to signify a foothold gained in enemy territory.

History

  • The most famous beachhead in history is the one established during the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944, which was crucial for the Allies' success.
  • Beachheads have played significant roles in military operations throughout history, allowing forces to expand territory after landing.

Military Strategy

  • Establishing a beachhead involves significant planning and reconnaissance to ensure the safety and success of troops during an amphibious assault.
  • The principle of securing a beachhead is vital in modern military strategy, serving as a critical step for subsequent operations.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of a beachhead has appeared in various movies and video games, often portrayed as a dramatic moment in warfare narratives.
  • Movies like 'Saving Private Ryan' showcase beachheads and the heroic efforts needed to secure them as pivotal plot points.

Business

  • In business, the term is used metaphorically to refer to a starting point in a new market or sector where a company seeks to establish itself.
  • Entrepreneurs may aim to create a beachhead to secure initial customers and then expand their influence from that base.

Translations

Translations of the word "beachhead" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cabeça de praia

🇮🇳 समुद्र तट का सिरा

🇩🇪 Brückenkopf

🇮🇩 kepala pantai

🇺🇦 плацдарм

🇵🇱 przyczółek

🇯🇵 上陸拠点 (じょうりくきょてん)

🇫🇷 tête de pont

🇪🇸 cabeza de playa

🇹🇷 kumsal başı

🇰🇷 해안 거점 (haean geojeom)

🇸🇦 رأس الشاطئ

🇨🇿 předmostí

🇸🇰 predmostie

🇨🇳 滩头堡 (tāntóubǎo)

🇸🇮 mostišče

🇮🇸 landhöfði

🇰🇿 жағалау басы

🇬🇪 სანაპიროს თავი (sanapiro's tavi)

🇦🇿 çimərlik başı

🇲🇽 cabeza de playa

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,033 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.