shelling

/shelling/
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Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The act of bombarding an area with artillery shells: "shelling" refers to the military action of firing explosive projectiles (shells) from large guns, typically to saturate a general area rather than to strike a precise, single target. It describes a sustained, heavy bombardment.
Usage
  • "Shelling" is used as an uncountable noun to describe the event or action itself.
  • It is commonly used in military, historical, and news reporting contexts to describe attacks involving artillery, cannons, or mortars.
  • The word emphasizes the continuous and intense nature of the bombardment.
Examples
Advanced Usage
  • "To come under shelling": to be subjected to an artillery attack.
    • The village came under intense shelling at dawn.
  • "To cease shelling": to stop the artillery bombardment.
    • Both sides agreed to cease shelling to allow for humanitarian aid.
Variants and Related Words
  • Shell (verb): to bombard with shells.
    • The enemy positions were shelled throughout the night.
  • Shell (noun): the explosive projectile fired from a large gun.
  • Bombardment (noun): a continuous attack with bombs or shells. (A close synonym with a slightly broader application, as it can include aerial bombs.)
Synonyms
  • Bombardment: A sustained attack with bombs or artillery.
  • Barrage: A concentrated outpouring of projectiles, often used interchangeably with "shelling" in a military context.
  • Cannonade: A period of continuous heavy gunfire.
Related Phrases
  • Artillery fire: A more general term for firing large-caliber guns, of which "shelling" is a specific, intensive type.
  • Incoming fire: A general term for projectiles being fired towards a position, which can include shells.
Noun
  1. the heavy fire of artillery to saturate an area rather than hit a specific target
    • they laid down a barrage in front of the advancing troops
    • the shelling went on for hours without pausing