Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Fusillade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💥
Add to dictionary

fusillade

[ˌfjuzəˈlād ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

military action

A fusillade is a simultaneous discharge of many firearms. It is often used in a military context to describe a rapid volley of shots fired at an enemy position, thereby overwhelming it with gunfire. The term conveys a strong sense of a concentrated attack and can also refer to a barrage of words or criticisms.

Synonyms

barrage, cannonade, salvo, volley.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers launched a fusillade against the enemy trenches.
  • The crowd responded to the politician's speech with a fusillade of boos.
  • During the parade, a fusillade of fireworks lit up the sky.
  • She received a fusillade of questions after the presentation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Writers often use fusillade to describe overwhelming reactions or emotional outbursts in dramatic scenes.
  • It appears in various works of literature to symbolize chaos or sudden bursts of action, enhancing the reading experience.
  • Famous authors, such as Ernest Hemingway, have employed the term to evoke intense feelings during conflict scenarios.

Origin of 'fusillade'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the French word 'fusiller', which means to shoot, highlighting its relation to firearms.
  • In warfare contexts, it originally referred to a rapid discharge of firearms in a line, creating an intense barrage.
  • The word dates back to the 17th century, reflecting the historical use of muskets and early rifles in combat.

The word 'fusillade' comes from the French term 'fusillade', which is derived from 'fusiller', meaning 'to shoot'. The root 'fusil' refers to a type of firearm or musket. Its usage dates back to the 17th century and was initially used to describe a general concept of shooting or firing, particularly in a military context. Over time, it has evolved to represent a more specific act of simultaneous shooting by multiple shooters, conveying a sense of chaos and intensity associated with such an action. The term has found its way into both literal and metaphorical contexts, exemplifying not only physical assaults but also verbal attacks.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,249 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.