Stalingrad
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Definition
Proper noun * A major city in southwestern Russia: Stalingrad is the former name (1925-1961) of the city now known as Volgograd. It is located on the western bank of the Volga River. * The site of a decisive World War II battle: Stalingrad is most famously known for the Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943), a major turning point in World War II where Soviet forces defeated the German army.
Usage Examples
- As a geographical location:
- The industrial city of Stalingrad was a key strategic objective.
- He was born in Stalingrad before it was renamed Volgograd.
- Referring to the historical battle:
- The siege of Stalingrad was one of the bloodiest battles in history.
- Many historians study the tactics used at Stalingrad.
Advanced Usage
- Metonymic use: The name "Stalingrad" is often used metonymically to symbolize ferocious urban warfare, a pivotal turning point, or a catastrophic defeat.
- The conflict in the city became a modern Stalingrad.
- The company's failed project was its Stalingrad, leading to massive losses.
Variants and Related Words
- Volgograd (Proper noun): The current name of the city, adopted in 1961.
- Battle of Stalingrad (Noun phrase): The specific military engagement from August 23, 1942, to February 2, 1943.
Synonyms
- (For the city) Volgograd.
- (For the concept of a decisive battle) Turning point, watershed, pivotal engagement.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "A Stalingrad on the [River Name]": Used journalistically or historically to describe a similarly protracted and decisive battle for a city.
- The prolonged fight for the city was described as a Stalingrad on the Dnieper.
- "Like Stalingrad": A simile describing something as a scene of brutal, relentless, and decisive struggle.
- The political debate turned into a legislative fight like Stalingrad.
Noun
- a city in the European part of Russia on the Volga; site of German defeat in World War II in the winter of 1942-43