Bombardment: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to continuous and heavy artillery fire or bombing over an area, often in a military context.

• The city suffered a relentless bombardment for several days.
• The constant bombardment left the landscape in ruins.

This is a general term for any aggressive action against someone or something, and can be used in both physical and non-physical contexts.

• The castle was under attack for several hours.
• She faced a verbal attack during the meeting.

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.

• The villagers prepared for the impending assault from enemy forces.
• He was arrested for assault after the bar fight.

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.

• The troops hid in their trenches to avoid the barrage of enemy fire.
• He faced a barrage of questions during the press conference.

Specifically used to describe continuous fire of explosive shells during a military operation.

• The refugees fled the city to escape the relentless shelling.
• The shelling destroyed many historical buildings in the area.

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.

• The city suffered a bombardment during the war.
• She faced a bombardment of questions from the reporters.

Describes a fierce or destructive attack. Can also be used metaphorically for a large and difficult-to-handle amount of something.

• The soldiers were ready for the enemy's onslaught.
• The new policy led to an onslaught of complaints.

Generally refers to an overflow of water that submerges land. It can also describe any large amount of something arriving simultaneously.

• The heavy rains caused a flood in the city.
• She was greeted with a flood of congratulatory messages.

Usually refers to a severe flood. It can also describe an overwhelming amount of things, such as work or complaints.

• The valley was hit by a deluge that lasted for days.
• The company faced a deluge of complaints after the error.

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.

• An avalanche buried the ski resort.
• They received an avalanche of emails after the announcement.