# barrage

/bɝˈɑʒ/ (US) · /bˈæɹɑːʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/barrage
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. many things at once

noun · CEFR B2

a large number of things, such as questions or complaints, that come at you very quickly.

For teachers: a concentrated and overwhelming outburst of speech, writing, or actions, typically directed at a specific target.

- The politician faced a barrage of difficult questions from the reporters.
- The customer service department was unprepared for the barrage of complaints following the release of the faulty software update.

### 2. military fire

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a heavy and continuous attack using big guns or missiles.

For teachers: a heavy curtain of artillery fire directed to protect one's own troops or to overwhelm an enemy position.

- The troops waited for the artillery barrage to stop before they moved forward.
- The commander ordered a rolling barrage to provide cover for the infantry as they advanced across the open field.

### 3. river barrier

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a wall or dam built across a river to control the water level.

For teachers: an artificial obstruction or dam placed in a watercourse to increase depth or divert flow for irrigation or power.

- The city built a tidal barrage to protect the houses from flooding.
- Environmentalists expressed concern that the proposed barrage would disrupt the migratory patterns of local fish species.

### 4. to attack with many things

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to hit someone with a lot of things, like questions or objects, all at once.

For teachers: to direct a concentrated outpouring of projectiles or verbal inquiries at a target.

- Fans began to barrage the singer with requests for her most famous song.
- The defense attorney continued to barrage the witness with aggressive questions to undermine his credibility.

Usage: Usually takes a direct object and is often followed by 'with'.

## Examples

- The team faced a barrage of tough questions.
- After the press conference, the CEO faced a barrage of angry questions from reporters.
- The city endured a relentless barrage of artillery fire that lasted for three days, leaving little room for civilian movement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.