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Broadsided: meaning, definitions and examples

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broadsided

 

[ ˈbrɔːd.saɪdɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

collision at sea

To broadsided means to collide with something broadside, typically referring to a ship striking another vessel. This term is often used in maritime contexts to describe an accident where one ship hits another on its side.

Synonyms

collided, hit, struck

Examples of usage

  • The cargo ship broadsided the fishing boat in the fog.
  • After losing control, the yacht broadsided another vessel during the storm.
  • The naval fleet practiced maneuvers that included broadsiding techniques.
Context #2 | Verb

verbal attack

In a figurative sense, to broadsided someone can mean to criticize them harshly or unexpectedly. This usage implies a sudden or fierce attack on someone's character or actions.

Synonyms

assailed, attacked, criticized

Examples of usage

  • The politician was broadsided by the media after his remarks.
  • During the debate, she broadsided her opponent with sharp questions.
  • He felt broadsided by the negative feedback from his peers.

Translations

Translations of the word "broadsided" in other languages:

🇵🇹 broadside

🇮🇳 ब्रोडसाइड

🇩🇪 Seitenangriff

🇮🇩 serangan samping

🇺🇦 бортовий

🇵🇱 atak boczny

🇯🇵 ブロードサイド

🇫🇷 broadside

🇪🇸 broadside

🇹🇷 yan saldırı

🇰🇷 측면 공격

🇸🇦 هجوم جانبي

🇨🇿 boční útok

🇸🇰 bočný útok

🇨🇳 侧面攻击

🇸🇮 bočni napad

🇮🇸 hliðarsókn

🇰🇿 жанама шабуыл

🇬🇪 მხარეითი თავდასხმა

🇦🇿 yan hücum

🇲🇽 ataque lateral

Etymology

The word 'broadsided' originates from the term 'broadside,' which refers to the side of a ship. The earliest use of 'broadside' in this context can be traced back to the early 15th century, where it denoted a ship's side that proved vulnerable during battles at sea. In this sense, it described the arrangement of naval vessels where they would present their sides to engage in combat or maneuver for strategic advantages, often leading to collisions. Over time, the term evolved into a verb form, 'broadsided,' to indicate the actual act of colliding with another ship broadside. This maritime term was later adopted into broader language usage, encompassing the idea of unexpected attacks, whether physical or verbal. The metaphorical application highlights the suddenness and severity of such encounters, akin to the surprise of a ship being unexpectedly struck at its broadest side.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,773, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.