air raid
/'eəreid/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A military attack carried out by aircraft against a ground or surface target: An "air raid" specifically refers to an offensive operation where armed aircraft, such as bombers or fighter-bombers, drop bombs or fire munitions on targets on the ground, typically in a populated area or against military installations.
Usage
- The term "air raid" is used to describe a historical or ongoing military event. It often implies a sudden, destructive attack from the air.
- It is commonly used in historical contexts, particularly regarding World War I and World War II, but is also applicable to modern conflicts.
- It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).
Examples
- Noun:
- The city endured a devastating air raid last night.
- During the war, citizens would seek shelter in the subway during an air raid.
- The museum has an exhibit on the air raids of 1940.
Advanced Usage
- "air raid shelter": A reinforced structure built to protect people from bombs during an air raid.
- Families spent hours in the air raid shelter until the all-clear siren sounded.
- "air raid siren" or "air raid warning": A loud signal used to alert a population of an impending air raid.
- The sound of the air raid siren filled the city with dread.
Variants and Related Words
- Bombing run (n): A specific flight path taken by an aircraft to attack a target.
- Airstrike (n): A more modern and general term for an attack from the air, which can include various types of aircraft and precision munitions. (Note: "airstrike" is a related but distinct term; an "air raid" often implies a larger-scale or more sustained attack on an area.)
- Air attack (n): A broader term synonymous with an offensive action from the air.
Synonyms
- Bombing: The act of attacking with bombs.
- Aerial bombardment: A formal term for a sustained bombing attack from aircraft.
Related Phrases
- To conduct/carry out an air raid: To execute an attack from the air.
- The enemy forces conducted an air raid on the naval base.
- Air raid precautions (ARP): Measures taken to defend against air raids.
- Volunteers were trained in air raid precautions.
Noun
- an attack by armed planes on a surface target