Sallying: meaning, definitions and examples

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sallying

 

[ ˈsæliɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

military action

Sallying refers to a sudden charge out of a besieged place against the enemy. It is often used in military contexts to describe a strategic maneuver aimed at gaining an advantage over opponents. The term emphasizes the element of surprise and swift action. Sallying can involve troops exiting a fortress or city to confront attackers, usually under the cover of darkness or during a moment of vulnerability in the enemy's lines.

Synonyms

assault, attack, charge, onslaught

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers planned on sallying forth to break the siege.
  • They executed a successful sallying maneuver against the enemy forces.
  • During the night, the general decided to initiate a sallying mission.
  • The defenders were able to launch a surprise sally against the intruders.

Translations

Translations of the word "sallying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 saliência

🇮🇳 सालिंग

🇩🇪 Ausfall

🇮🇩 serangan mendadak

🇺🇦 вилазка

🇵🇱 wypad

🇯🇵 出撃

🇫🇷 sortie

🇪🇸 salida

🇹🇷 saldırı

🇰🇷 출격

🇸🇦 خروج

🇨🇿 výpad

🇸🇰 výpad

🇨🇳 突袭

🇸🇮 izlet

🇮🇸 útrás

🇰🇿 шабуыл

🇬🇪 დასხმა

🇦🇿 qəfil hücum

🇲🇽 salida

Word origin

The term 'sally' originates from the Middle English word 'sali', which comes from the Latin 'salīre', meaning 'to leap' or 'to jump'. The connection to military contexts stems from its implication of sudden movement or action. Historically, 'sallying' was often seen during times of siege when defenders would take advantage of a moment to attack their besiegers. This term has been a part of military vocabulary since at least the 14th century, illustrating its significance in tactical maneuvers throughout European history. The tactical importance of a well-timed sally could often alter the course of a battle, making it both a risky and potentially rewarding strategy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,533, 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.