Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/bəˈrɑːʒ/

Definitions

• Noun: A concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide area.
• Noun: An overwhelming quantity or explosion, as of words, questions, or criticisms.
• Verb: To subject someone to a rapid or overwhelming barrage of something, such as questions or requests.

Usage Examples

• The soldiers endured a fierce barrage of artillery fire during the battle.
• She was bombarded with a barrage of questions from the reporters.
• The general ordered a barrage to break the enemy's lines.

Etymology

From French barrage, meaning "dam" or "barrier," from barrer, meaning "to block," derived from the verb bar (to block) in French, dating back to the 17th century.

Synonyms

• Bombardment
• Attack
• Onslaught
• Deluge
• Outpouring

Antonyms

• Trickle
• Dribble
• Stream
• Flow

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the pronunciation tends to focus on the second syllable with a long "a" sound (/bəˈrɑːʒ/).
• In American English, the pronunciation may be a bit shorter in the first syllable, sounding like /bəˈrɑːʒ/ but with a lighter emphasis.

Historical Usage

The term "barrage" was first used in military contexts during World War I to describe a heavy, continuous artillery bombardment aimed at saturating an area with fire. The word was later adopted into broader usage to describe any overwhelming series of attacks or pressures, especially in non-military contexts like media or communications.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of a "barrage" has permeated popular culture, particularly in the context of warfare, where it symbolizes relentless force or overwhelming power. In modern media, a "barrage" is often used metaphorically to describe situations involving a flood of overwhelming questions or opinions, particularly in political or media settings.

More Information

A barrage, in its military context, is a continuous attack intended to keep the enemy suppressed, preventing them from reacting effectively. This technique can be used in a variety of ways, including artillery barrages, air strikes, and even missile systems. In non-military contexts, the term is often applied to describe a rapid, forceful flow of something, such as information, criticism, or questions, signifying an overwhelming flood of elements that can be hard to manage or respond to.