barrage
/bəˈɹɑʒ/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.39 in modern English
10
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
An artificial obstruction, such as a dam, in a river designed to increase its depth or to divert its flow.
noun
A heavy curtain of artillery fire directed in front of one's own troops to screen and protect them.
noun
noun
An overwhelming outburst of words, especially of criticism.
Example Sentences
- "The 75s of V Corps fired a standard rolling barrage, while the larger 155 mm and 8-inch pieces fired standing barrages 500 meters beyond the barrage line. For the rolling barrage, one battery in each battalion fired low, bursting shrapnel instead of the standard high explosive."
- "Blast after blast, fiery outbreak after fiery outbreak, like a flaming barrage from within,[…]most of Edison's grounds soon became an inferno. As though on an incendiary rampage, the fires systematically devoured the contents of Edison's headquarters and facilities."
- "Lesser lawyers who were vague in oral argument faced a barrage of sarcasm or, if he agreed with them, constant chiding to do better."
- "Maybe now her daughter would stop barraging her with questions about her past."
Etymology
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /bəˈɹɑʒ/
- British English: /ˈbæɹɑːʒ/