Barrage

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈbæɹɑːʒ/
• US IPA: /bəˈɹɑːʒ/

Origin

Borrowing from fr barrage

Full definition of barrage

Noun

1. an artificial obstruction, such as a dam, in a river designed to increase its depth or to divert its flow
2. a heavy curtain of artillery fire directed in front of one's own troops to screen and protect them (Barrage (artillery))
3. a concentrated discharge of projectile weapons
• 2006, w, Internal Combustion Chapter 1, Blast after blast, fiery outbreak after fiery outbreak, like a flaming barrage from within,...most of Edison's grounds soon became an inferno. As though on an incendiary rampage, the fires systematically devoured the contents of Edison's headquarters and facilities.
4. (by extension) an overwhelming outburst of words, especially of criticism
5. (fencing) A "next hit wins" contest to determine the winner of a bout in case of a tie.

Verb

1. (transitive) to direct a barrage at; to bombard

Related terms

• barrage balloon
• barrage jamming
• rolling barrage