Definition

Noun: * Indirect fire: A military method of firing projectiles where the target is not in the direct line of sight from the weapon. The weapons are aimed using calculated data (like angles and elevations) to hit a target that is concealed, distant, or behind an obstacle.

Usage

This term is used exclusively in military and defense contexts to describe artillery, mortar, or naval gunfire support. * The battalion called for indirect fire to neutralize the enemy position on the reverse slope of the hill. * Effective indirect fire requires precise coordinates and skilled forward observers.

Advanced Usage

• "To deliver indirect fire": The act of executing such an attack.
  • The artillery unit was ordered to deliver indirect fire on the grid coordinates provided.
• "Indirect fire support": Military assistance provided by weapons using this method.
  • The advancing infantry relied heavily on indirect fire support from the naval fleet.

Variants and Related Words

• Direct fire (n): The antonym; fire where the target is within the shooter's direct line of sight.
• Artillery (n): Large-caliber guns used in land warfare, often employing indirect fire.
• Mortar (n): A portable, muzzle-loading cannon that fires shells at high angles, typically used for indirect fire.

Synonyms

• Curved fire: Fire where the projectile follows a high, arcing trajectory.
• Plunging fire: Fire that descends upon a target from a high angle.

Antonyms

• Direct fire
• Line-of-sight fire

Related Phrases

• Fire for effect: The main barrage of indirect fire following initial adjusting shots.
• Call for fire: The process of requesting an indirect fire mission.

Noun

1. fire delivered on a target that is not itself used as the point of aim for the weapons