blindage
Definition
- Noun (Military):
- A defensive shelter or barrier: "Blindage" refers to a protective structure, typically made of earth, wood, or other materials, used in military fortifications to shield personnel or equipment from enemy fire, observation, or shrapnel. It is a type of field fortification designed to provide cover.
Usage Examples
- (A defensive shelter built for protection.)
- (A barrier or fortification used for cover.)
Advanced Usage
"to take cover behind a blindage": to use a blindage as a protective shelter.
- The troops took cover behind the blindage as the enemy began shelling the area. (They used the fortification for safety.)
"to construct a blindage": to build a temporary defensive structure.
- The sappers were ordered to construct a blindage near the riverbank for the night watch. (They built a shelter for defensive purposes.)
Variants and Related Words
Blind (adj): lacking sight; also, in military contexts, "blind" can refer to a position or area not visible to the enemy.
- The blind spot in the enemy's line was used to set up the blindage. (A hidden or sheltered area.)
Blinding (adj): causing temporary or permanent loss of sight; in military use, "blinding" can refer to tactics that obscure vision.
- The blinding smoke from the flare helped conceal the blindage. (Obscuring visibility.)
Synonyms
- Bunker: a reinforced underground shelter, often military.
- Fortification: a defensive structure built to protect against attack.
- Redoubt: a temporary or secondary fortification, often used for cover.
Related Idioms
"behind the blindage": in a position of safety or concealment.
- The commander stayed behind the blindage to observe the battlefield. (He remained in a sheltered location.)
"a blindage of words": a metaphorical use, meaning a verbal defense or concealment of facts.
- His lengthy explanation was a blindage of words to hide the truth. (A verbal barrier used to obscure reality.)