Barrage
/bəˈrɑːʒ/
nounIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
A concentrated and overwhelming outburst or attack, especially of questions or criticism.
/bəˈrɑːʒ/
nounneutralIntermediate
General
A concentrated outpouring of something
The city experienced a barrage of rockets.
💡 Simply: A lot of something all at once.
More Examples
2
He received a barrage of angry emails.
How It's Used
Military
"The troops faced a barrage of artillery fire."
Figurative
"She endured a barrage of questions from the reporters."
From French *barrage*, from *barre* "bar, barrier". Originally referring to military obstacles, it later broadened to encompass any overwhelming quantity.
Originally used in military contexts to describe a concentrated artillery attack, its figurative use became more prevalent in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Imagine a dam bursting, releasing a barrage of water.
Practice
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Usage
30%Spoken
70%Written