Definition

1. Noun:
   • Artillery fire delivered by a mortar: This term specifically refers to the projectiles (shells, bombs) fired from a mortar, which is a portable, muzzle-loading, indirect-fire weapon. It describes the act or instance of such firing and the resulting explosive impact.

Usage

• The term "mortar fire" is a compound noun used as a singular or mass noun to describe the collective firing from one or more mortars. It is typically used in military, historical, or news reporting contexts.
• Example:

Examples

• Noun:
  • The outpost came under sustained mortar fire throughout the night.
  • Casualties were primarily caused by enemy mortar fire.
  • The commander called for mortar fire on the enemy's position.

Advanced Usage

• "to be under mortar fire": to be subjected to an attack using mortars.
  • The village has been under constant mortar fire for two days.
• "to call in/for mortar fire": to request a mortar attack on a target.
  • The forward observer called for mortar fire to suppress the enemy machine gun nest.

Variants and Related Words

• Mortar (n): The weapon itself, a short, smoothbore gun for firing shells at high angles.
• Mortar shell / Mortar round (n): An individual projectile fired from a mortar.
• Artillery fire (n): A broader term encompassing fire from various larger guns, howitzers, and rocket launchers.

Synonyms

• Shelling (n): Bombardment with explosive projectiles from artillery. (Note: "shelling" is a broader term that can include mortar fire.)
• Bombardment (n): A continuous attack with bombs, shells, or other missiles.

Related Phrases

• Indirect fire (n): Fire delivered on a target that is not in the direct line of sight from the weapon. Mortar fire is a type of indirect fire.
• Incoming fire (n): Enemy fire that is arriving at one's position. Mortar fire is often described as "incoming."

Noun

1. artillery fire delivered by a mortar