Definition

1. Verb:
   • To attack a target by diving steeply toward it in an aircraft and releasing a bomb or bombs during the descent.
   • (By extension) To attack or descend upon something or someone swiftly and aggressively.

Usage

• The primary use is military, describing a specific aerial bombing tactic.
• It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the target being bombed).
• The action combines the maneuver of a dive with the release of a bomb.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The pilot was ordered to dive-bomb the enemy bridge.
  • During the war, Stuka aircraft were designed to dive-bomb with precision.
  • The eagle seemed to dive-bomb the fish in the lake, though it was just hunting.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe any sudden, swift, and aggressive descent or attack.
  • The company's stock price dive-bombed after the scandal was announced.
  • Reporters dive-bombed the celebrity with questions as she left the courthouse.

Variants and Related Words

• Dive-bomber (n): An aircraft designed for or engaged in dive-bombing.
  • The dive-bomber executed a perfect attack run.
• Dive-bombing (n/gerund): The act or technique of attacking with a dive-bomb.
  • Dive-bombing required great skill and nerve from the pilot.

Synonyms

• Strike from a dive: A more descriptive phrase for the same action.
• Attack in a dive: A general term for the maneuver.

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

Verb

1. bomb from a diving airplane