barrage
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a large number of things, such as questions or complaints, that come at you very quickly.
n.a concentrated and overwhelming outburst of speech, writing, or actions, typically directed at a specific target.
Simple“The politician faced a barrage of difficult questions from the reporters.”
In context“The customer service department was unprepared for the barrage of complaints following the release of the faulty software update.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.a heavy and continuous attack using big guns or missiles.
n.a heavy curtain of artillery fire directed to protect one's own troops or to overwhelm an enemy position.
Simple“The troops waited for the artillery barrage to stop before they moved forward.”
In context“The commander ordered a rolling barrage to provide cover for the infantry as they advanced across the open field.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a wall or dam built across a river to control the water level.
n.an artificial obstruction or dam placed in a watercourse to increase depth or divert flow for irrigation or power.
Simple“The city built a tidal barrage to protect the houses from flooding.”
In context“Environmentalists expressed concern that the proposed barrage would disrupt the migratory patterns of local fish species.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to hit someone with a lot of things, like questions or objects, all at once.
v.to direct a concentrated outpouring of projectiles or verbal inquiries at a target.
Simple“Fans began to barrage the singer with requests for her most famous song.”
In context“The defense attorney continued to barrage the witness with aggressive questions to undermine his credibility.”
UsageUsually takes a direct object and is often followed by 'with'.
Synonyms
“On Tuesday, the Carney government announced a barrage of new tariffs on nearly $28 billion worth of American goods.”
“Trump’s threat on Wednesday came after the US and Iran exchanged their biggest barrage since July.”
Unadapted borrowing from French barrage (“barrage, barrier”) c. 1859. Compare barrier.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.