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Enfilading: meaning, definitions and examples

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enfilading

 

[ ˌɛn.fɪˈleɪ.dɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

military strategy

Enfilading refers to a tactical maneuver in military operations where forces attack the flank of an enemy position. This technique is particularly effective because it allows for maximum damage to be inflicted on the enemy while minimizing exposure to direct fire. By striking from the side, attackers can exploit vulnerabilities that are often less defended. Enfilading fire can significantly disrupt enemy formations and morale, providing a strategic advantage in combat scenarios.

Synonyms

attacking, flanking, surrounding

Examples of usage

  • The troops executed an enfilading maneuver to surprise the enemy.
  • Artillery units provided enfilading fire to cover the advancing infantry.
  • Using enfilading positions, the general successfully outflanked the opposing forces.

Translations

Translations of the word "enfilading" in other languages:

🇵🇹 flanqueamento

🇮🇳 संरेखण

🇩🇪 Einrücken

🇮🇩 penyerangan menyilang

🇺🇦 флангування

🇵🇱 flankowanie

🇯🇵 側撃

🇫🇷 enfilade

🇪🇸 flanqueo

🇹🇷 yan saldırı

🇰🇷 측면 공격

🇸🇦 الهجوم الجانبي

🇨🇿 flankování

🇸🇰 flankovanie

🇨🇳 侧击

🇸🇮 flankiranje

🇮🇸 hliðarslag

🇰🇿 флангтық шабуыл

🇬🇪 ფლანგური თავდასხმა

🇦🇿 yan hücum

🇲🇽 ataque de flanco

Word origin

The term 'enfilading' comes from the French word 'enfilade', which means 'to line up'. It originally referred to a way of firing at an enemy along their line, effectively allowing troops to target multiple individuals in a single shot. The concept gained prominence in military literature and strategy during the 18th century, particularly in the context of linear warfare. As armies evolved, so did the tactics, and enfilading became a crucial element of battle plans that sought to exploit the geometry of the battlefield. The practice is still studied in modern military theory as a means to achieve tactical superiority.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,380, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.