Shellfire: meaning, definitions and examples

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shellfire

 

[ʃɛlfaɪər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

military action

Shellfire refers to the intense bombardment of a target using artillery shells. This term is commonly used in military contexts to describe the explosive fire from large-caliber artillery, which can cause significant damage to both personnel and infrastructure. Shellfire is typically part of a strategic operation to weaken enemy positions or support ground troops during an assault. The effectiveness of shellfire often depends on the accuracy and timing of the artillery strikes.

Synonyms

artillery fire, bombardment, cannonade.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers took cover during the shellfire.
  • Shellfire rained down on the enemy trenches.
  • They called in artillery support to increase shellfire on the target.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term combines 'shell,' referring to the explosive shell casing, and 'fire,' which indicates the firing of artillery.
  • The word has military roots, originating in the language used during major wars, especially World War I.

Historical Warfare

  • Shellfire became a primary feature of World War I, dramatically changing how battles were fought, with artillery being used to soften enemy defenses.
  • The intense bombardments often left soldiers suffering from psychological effects, known today as shell shock.

Science and Technology

  • Modern artillery shells can include explosive charges, shrapnel, and sometimes even chemical payloads, indicating advancements in weaponry.
  • Research continues into minimizing the destructive power of shellfire to protect civilian life in conflict zones.

Cultural Impact

  • Shellfire is often depicted in films and novels about war, signifying chaos and destruction.
  • The sound of shellfire has influenced music and art, representing themes of conflict and loss.

Psychology

  • Experiencing shellfire, even indirectly, can lead to trauma and anxiety disorders in soldiers and civilians alike.
  • The term 'shell shock' was first used during World War I to describe the psychological effects of intense shellfire on soldiers.

Translations

Translations of the word "shellfire" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fogo de morteiro

🇮🇳 शेल्फायर

🇩🇪 Granatfeuer

🇮🇩 tembakan artileri

🇺🇦 артилерійський вогонь

🇵🇱 ognia armatniego

🇯🇵 砲撃

🇫🇷 tir d'artillerie

🇪🇸 fuego de artillería

🇹🇷 topçu ateşi

🇰🇷 포격

🇸🇦 نيران المدفعية

🇨🇿 dělostřelecká palba

🇸🇰 delostrelecká paľba

🇨🇳 炮火

🇸🇮 topniški ogenj

🇮🇸 fallbyssuskot

🇰🇿 артиллериялық от

🇬🇪 არტილერიული ცეცხლი

🇦🇿 artilleriya atəşi

🇲🇽 fuego de artillería