Bombardment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bombardment
[bษmหbษหd.mษnt ]
Definitions
during warfare
The act of attacking with bombs, shells, or other missiles. Bombardment is often used as a military strategy to weaken the enemy's defenses.
Synonyms
assault, attack, barrage, shelling.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bombardment |
Use when referring to continuous and heavy artillery fire or bombing over an area, often in a military context.
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| attack |
This is a general term for any aggressive action against someone or something, and can be used in both physical and non-physical contexts.
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| assault |
This term is typically used for a violent physical attack, either in a military context or a criminal one, indicating a high degree of force and intent to harm.
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| barrage |
Refers to a concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide area, and can also be used metaphorically to describe a rapid and overwhelming outpouring of something.
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| shelling |
Specifically used to describe continuous fire of explosive shells during a military operation.
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Examples of usage
- The city endured heavy bombardment during the war.
- The constant bombardment caused widespread destruction.
- The enemy forces launched a massive bombardment on the civilian population.
in a different context
A continuous flow of questions, criticisms, or information directed at someone. Bombardment can also refer to overwhelming someone with a large amount of something.
Synonyms
avalanche, deluge, flood, onslaught.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bombardment |
Used to describe a heavy and continuous attack, usually with bombs or artillery. It can also be used metaphorically for a large influx of information or questions.
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| onslaught |
Describes a fierce or destructive attack. Can also be used metaphorically for a large and difficult-to-handle amount of something.
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| flood |
Generally refers to an overflow of water that submerges land. It can also describe any large amount of something arriving simultaneously.
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| deluge |
Usually refers to a severe flood. It can also describe an overwhelming amount of things, such as work or complaints.
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| avalanche |
Typically refers to a large mass of snow, ice, and rocks falling rapidly down a mountainside. It can also be used to describe a sudden, overwhelming quantity of something.
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Examples of usage
- She was tired of the constant bombardment of questions from the reporters.
- The bombardment of advertisements on social media can be overwhelming.
- The bombardment of emails in her inbox was never-ending.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term originates from the Middle French word 'bombardement,' linked to the Latin 'bombarda,' meaning a large artillery device.
- During the 17th century, bombardment became a critical military tactic during sieges, aiming to break defenses.
- In World War I, the strategy evolved with aerial bombardments, using airplanes to drop bombs on targets from above.
Military Strategy
- A bombardment can serve various purposes, including psychological impact, destruction of infrastructure, and disabling enemy positions.
- Precision-guided munitions have shifted bombardment tactics, focusing on minimizing collateral damage while maximizing effectiveness.
- The concept of 'saturation bombing' allows forces to overwhelm an area, making it hard for the enemy to respond.
Cultural References
- Bombardment is often depicted in movies and literature, highlighting the chaos and destruction of war, such as in films like 'Dunkirk.'
- Artworks capturing battles often illustrate the bombardment technique to showcase the intensity of conflicts throughout history.
- In video games, bombardment is a popular mechanic, appearing in strategy games that allow players to deploy heavy artillery against opponents.
Science and Technology
- Modern warfare technology, like drones, has altered traditional bombardment, allowing for more targeted attacks from remote locations.
- The effects of bombardment on the environment have sparked debates about sustainable warfare and the destruction of ecosystems.
- Research into the psychological effects on soldiers is critical as bombardment can lead to trauma and long-lasting mental health issues.
Psychology
- Witnesses of bombardment often experience heightened stress responses, which can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- The concept of 'desensitization' occurs when individuals exposed to frequent bombardment events become less sensitive to violence over time.
- Studies show that the anticipation of bombardment can create significant anxiety, impacting mental health and decision-making.
Origin of 'bombardment'
The word 'bombardment' is derived from the French word 'bombarder' which means 'to bombard'. It has been used in the context of warfare for centuries, referring to the act of attacking with bombs or other projectiles. The use of bombardment as a military strategy has evolved over time, with advancements in technology leading to more effective and destructive methods of attack. In a broader sense, bombardment can also refer to a relentless attack or onslaught of any kind, not limited to military contexts.
See also: bombarded.