Sortied - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

military action

Sortied refers to the action of an aircraft leaving its base to engage in combat. It usually involves a coordinated effort by air forces to attack or defend against enemy positions. The term is often used in military contexts to describe the launching of operations.

Synonyms

attacked, deployed, launched.

Examples of usage

The squadron sortied at dawn to intercept enemy aircraft.
After a briefing, the pilots were ready to sortied into the battlefield.
The fleet sortied in response to the approaching threat.

Interesting Facts

Military History

The term originated in the 16th century, initially used to describe troops leaving a fortified position to engage the enemy.
During World War II, fighter planes often sortied to patrol skies, defend against attacks, or support ground troops.
Infantry units would also sortie from their barracks, especially during the Napoleonic Wars, to confront advancing enemies.

Aviation

Sorties are critical in military aviation and have defined missions such as reconnaissance, air support, or interception.
In modern air forces, a single sortie can involve extensive planning and coordination, impacting mission outcomes significantly.
Each sortie flown by a pilot counts towards their training hours and experience, shaping their skills and effectiveness.

Cultural Representation

Sorties are often depicted in movies and books, signifying bravery and strategy, like in films about World War II aerial battles.
In video games, players often see characters sortying from safe zones to complete quests, emphasizing teamwork and planning.
The concept is prevalent in strategy games where teams sortied to gather resources or confront challenges, reflecting real-world military tactics.

Language Evolution

Initially derived from the French word 'sortir', meaning to go out or exit, it highlights the action of moving from a safe position.
Its usage has broadened in English to reflect not just military actions but also any organized movement towards an objective.
In contemporary language, 'sortied' can be metaphorically applied to ideas or initiatives leaving a point of origin to address tasks.

Origin of 'sortied'

The term 'sortie' is derived from the French word 'sortir', meaning 'to exit' or 'to go out'. The usage of the term in a military context dates back to the late 19th century, particularly during World War I and II, where it specifically referred to a military flight operation involving aircraft. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various forms of military engagements, especially in the context of air combat. Sorties are critical in understanding air power dynamics, as they signify not only the number of missions flown but also the readiness and operational tempo of a military air force. Today, the word is integral to military strategy and logistics discussions, providing insights into the complexities of aerial operations.

Sortied Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations