Broadsiding: meaning, definitions and examples
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broadsiding
[ ˈbrɔːdsaɪdɪŋ ]
colliding attack
Broadsiding refers to a type of collision where one object strikes the side of another, typically used in the context of vehicles, ships, and other forms of transportation. In maritime terms, broadsiding can also refer to a ship being hit by cannon fire along its broadside. It is often associated with a surprising or sudden attack that comes from the side. Broadsiding can lead to significant damage or injury, making it a serious concern in both nautical and automotive situations.
Synonyms
collision, ramming, side impact
Examples of usage
- The broadsiding of the car caused extensive damage.
- During the naval battle, the ships exchanged broadsides.
- He was surprised by the broadsiding attack from the side.
- The collision was described as a broadsiding incident.
attacking suddenly
To broadsidе means to strike something on its side or to attack unexpectedly from the side. This term is often used in both military and sports contexts, where an opponent may be caught off guard by a sudden move. In a figurative sense, it can also refer to delivering a sharp criticism or accusation in an unexpected manner. The action of broadsiding can have both literal and metaphorical implications.
Synonyms
sudden assault, surprise attack, unexpected strike
Examples of usage
- The team broadsided the opponent with a surprise play.
- He broadsided his critics with a strong rebuttal.
- The comment broadsided her during the discussion.
Translations
Translations of the word "broadsiding" in other languages:
🇵🇹 bater de lado
🇮🇳 साइडिंग हमला
🇩🇪 Seitenangriff
🇮🇩 serangan samping
🇺🇦 броадсайд
🇵🇱 ataki boczne
🇯🇵 側撃
🇫🇷 attaque latérale
🇪🇸 ataque lateral
🇹🇷 yan saldırı
🇰🇷 측면 공격
🇸🇦 الهجوم الجانبي
🇨🇿 boční útok
🇸🇰 bočný útok
🇨🇳 侧面攻击
🇸🇮 bočni napad
🇮🇸 hliðarslag
🇰🇿 бүйірлік шабуыл
🇬🇪 გვერდითი შეტევა
🇦🇿 yan hücum
🇲🇽 ataque lateral
Etymology
The term 'broadsiding' comes from the combination of 'broad', meaning wide or expansive, and 'side', referring to the lateral portion of an object. Historically, it has been associated with naval warfare where warships would fire artillery along its wide side (broadside) to maximize damage to an enemy vessel. The practice dates back to the Age of Sail when sailing ships fought with cannons arranged on their sides. Over time, 'broadsiding' evolved into a term used beyond maritime contexts, now applicable to various types of collisions in automotive terms and as a linguistic metaphor for unexpected verbal attacks or criticisms. The evolution of this term reflects shifts in language and culture influenced by technological advancements in warfare and transport, as well as the growing interest in strategic surprise in both military tactics and personal interactions.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,318, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.