Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pilot trained and willing to cause a suicidal crash: Specifically, a Japanese aviator in World War II assigned to make a deliberate suicidal crash on a target, typically a ship.
   • A fighter plane used for suicide missions by Japanese pilots in World War II: The aircraft itself, often loaded with explosives, used in such an attack.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Person):

  • The kamikaze flew his plane directly into the battleship.
  • He was a young kamikaze who sacrificed himself for his country.

• Noun (Object):

  • The museum has a restored kamikaze on display.
  • The kamikaze was loaded with explosives for its final mission.

Advanced Usage

• As an adjective (attributive noun): Used to describe a reckless, self-destructive, or suicidal action or attitude.
  • He made a kamikaze dive to save the ball during the match. (Meaning a reckless, all-or-nothing effort)
  • The company's kamikaze pricing strategy destroyed its profits. (Meaning a dangerously self-destructive strategy)

Variants and Related Words

• Kamikaze attack (n): The act of crashing a piloted vehicle into a target.
• Kamikaze spirit (n): The attitude of being willing to sacrifice oneself completely for a cause.

Synonyms

• Suicide pilot: A more general, descriptive term.
• Suicide bomber: A related modern term for a person who carries out a suicide attack, though typically not in an aircraft.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Like a kamikaze": Behaving with reckless disregard for personal safety or consequences.
  • He drove like a kamikaze through the busy streets.
• "Kamikaze mission": Any endeavor perceived as extremely dangerous and potentially self-destructive.
  • Trying to fix the company's reputation now feels like a kamikaze mission.

Noun

1. a pilot trained and willing to cause a suicidal crash
2. a fighter plane used for suicide missions by Japanese pilots in World War II