defilade

/,defi'leid/

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Explanation of the Word "Defilade"

Definition:
The word "defilade" is a noun that refers to a position or arrangement of defensive fortifications designed to protect against enemy fire. Think of it like a safe area that is set up to keep people or things safe from attacks.

Advanced Usage:

In military discussions or strategic planning, "defilade" can refer to the specific positioning of troops or equipment behind natural or artificial barriers that provide protection.

Word Variants:

• Defiladed (verb): This is the past tense form, referring to the action of providing a defilade.

  • Example: "The engineers defiladed the outpost before the attack began."

• Defilading (verb): This is the present participle form.

  • Example: "They are defilading their positions to enhance safety against incoming fire."

Different Meaning:

While "defilade" primarily refers to military defense, in broader contexts, it can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe any kind of protective arrangement in various fields, such as architecture or landscaping.

Synonyms:

• Cover
• Protection
• Shield
• Fortification

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no widely recognized idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "defilade," as it is a specialized military term. However, you might encounter phrases like "take cover" or "hold the fort," which convey the idea of seeking protection.

Summary:

"Defilade" is a term mainly used in military contexts to describe defensive arrangements that protect against attacks.

Academic

Noun

1. the arrangement of defensive fortifications to protect against enemy fire