verb
bombard
bahm-BARD/bɑːmˈbɑːrd/
To attack with a succession of projectiles.
The cannons bombard the stone walls of the fortress.
Etymology
French bombarder referred to firing heavy guns. The military sense broadened into persistent assault, so bombarding people with questions or demands treats them as the target of repeated verbal fire.
In context
The second wave of attack followed immediately, with Su Ye controlling two waves of carrier-based aircraft to bombard the enemy ships in turn until they were completely rendered combat ineffective.
More examples
- The ships bombarded the coastal defenses.
- The artillery crews bombard the fort with shells.
- The warships bombarded the enemy battery from offshore.
Forms
bombard · bombards · bombarded · bombarding
bombardment noun — an overwhelming stream of demands or messages
Similar words
- inundate
- Inundate figuratively overwhelms with a large volume; bombard emphasizes repeated incoming demands or messages.
- pester
- Pester repeatedly annoys; bombard can emphasize intensity and quantity rather than intent.