Definition

1. Noun:

   • A concentrated artillery bombardment: A heavy and continuous discharge of projectiles, typically from artillery, intended to saturate a specific area rather than target individual points.
   • An overwhelming, rapid succession of something: A relentless, large-volume delivery of spoken, written, or other communicative acts.

2. Verb:

   • To bombard or assail continuously: To address someone with a persistent, overwhelming number of questions, requests, or criticisms.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Artillery):

  • The advancing infantry was protected by a creeping barrage.
  • The enemy positions were softened up by a heavy artillery barrage.

• Noun (Figurative):

  • The press secretary faced a barrage of questions about the scandal.
  • After the product launch, the company's social media team dealt with a barrage of customer complaints.

• Verb:

  • Protesters barraged the senator's office with phone calls.
  • The celebrity was barraged by fans asking for autographs as she left the venue.

Advanced Usage

• "Lay down a barrage": To initiate a heavy artillery bombardment.

  • The commander ordered his forces to lay down a barrage to cover their retreat.

• "Face a barrage of criticism": To be subjected to a large, sustained volume of disapproving comments.

  • The new policy faced a barrage of criticism from opposition parties.

Variants and Related Words

• Bombardment (n): A continuous attack with bombs, shells, or other missiles; can be used similarly in both literal (military) and figurative contexts.
• Fusillade (n): A series of shots fired simultaneously or in rapid succession; often used for gunfire but can apply figuratively to words or criticism.
• Salvo (n): A simultaneous discharge of artillery or other weapons; also used for a burst of applause or comment.

Synonyms

• Noun: Onslaught, deluge, volley, storm, hail.
• Verb: Bombard, assail, pepper, pelt, besiege.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Barrage" as a verb is typically used transitively and does not commonly form phrasal verbs. The action is conveyed by the verb itself plus a preposition like "with.") - Barrage someone with something: The standard construction for the verb. - He barraged the committee with evidence to support his proposal.

Related Idioms

• "A barrage of fire": Used literally for military action or figuratively for intense criticism or opposition.
  • The controversial proposal met with a barrage of fire from industry experts.

Noun

1. the heavy fire of artillery to saturate an area rather than hit a specific target
   • they laid down a barrage in front of the advancing troops
   • the shelling went on for hours without pausing
2. the rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication (spoken or written)
   • a barrage of questions
   • a bombardment of mail complaining about his mistake

Verb

1. address with continuously or persistently, as if with a barrage
   • The speaker was barraged by an angry audience
   • The governor was bombarded with requests to grant a pardon to the convicted killer