noun / verb
barrage
buh-RAHZH/bəˈrɑːʒ/
An overwhelming flow of attacks, words, or other things.
The field guns unleash a barrage against the distant defensive position.
Etymology
The idea of barring became military “barrier fire,” intended to isolate a target. A barrage of questions or criticism figuratively resembles that concentrated artillery fire.
In context
Two of Su Ye's ships, braving continuous attacks from their carrier-based aircraft, unleashed a barrage of fire in Su Ye's direction.
More examples
- The artillery barrage continues through the night.
- Critics barraged the office with complaints.
- She is tired of people barraging her with unsolicited advice.
Forms
barrage · barrages · barraged · barraging
Similar words
- bombardment
- More directly suggests repeated attacks, especially with weapons.
- flood
- Emphasizes overwhelming quantity without necessarily implying attack.