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Strafing: meaning, definitions and examples

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strafing

 

[ ˈstreɪf.ɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

military action

Strafing refers to the action of attacking ground targets from low-flying aircraft with machine guns or cannons. It is typically used in military operations to suppress or destroy enemy positions and is characterized by rapid, targeted gunfire.

Synonyms

attack, blast, bombard

Examples of usage

  • The fighter jets began strafing the enemy positions.
  • Troops reported heavy strafing from the air support.
  • The pilot executed a perfect strafing run over the target.
  • Strafing runs can cause significant damage when performed accurately.

Translations

Translations of the word "strafing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estrafe

🇮🇳 स्ट्रैफिंग

🇩🇪 Streifen

🇮🇩 strafing

🇺🇦 страйфінг

🇵🇱 strafing

🇯🇵 ストレイフィング

🇫🇷 stratification

🇪🇸 estrafear

🇹🇷 strafing

🇰🇷 스트레이핑

🇸🇦 الاستهداف الجانبي

🇨🇿 strafing

🇸🇰 strafing

🇨🇳 侧射

🇸🇮 strafing

🇮🇸 strafing

🇰🇿 страйфинг

🇬🇪 სტრაიფინგი

🇦🇿 strafing

🇲🇽 estrafear

Word origin

The term 'strafing' originally comes from the German word 'strafen,' which means 'to punish.' It entered the English language during World War I, when military aviation began to evolve and aircraft started to be used for offensive purposes beyond reconnaissance. The practice became more common in World War II, where pilots executed strafing runs on enemy troops, vehicles, and installations. The term has since become associated with any low-level attack by aircraft that uses guns to damage or destroy ground targets. In modern warfare, strafing is often conducted as part of coordinated air strikes, emphasizing the evolution of aerial combat tactics.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,195 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.