View synonyms for barrage

barrage

[ buh-rahzh; especially British bar-ahzh bahr-ij ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Military. a heavy barrier of artillery fire to protect one's own advancing or retreating troops or to stop the advance of enemy troops.
an overwhelming quantity or explosion, as of words, blows, or criticisms:
a barrage of questions.
Synonyms: storm, burst, deluge, torrent, volley
Civil Engineering. an artificial obstruction in a watercourse to increase the depth of the water, facilitate irrigation, etc.
Mycology. an aversion response of sexually incompatible fungus cultures that are growing in proximity, revealed by a persistent growth gap between them.

verb (used with object)

barraged, barraging.

to subject to a barrage.

barrage

/ ˈbærɑːʒ /

noun

military the firing of artillery to saturate an area, either to protect against an attack or to support an advance
an overwhelming and continuous delivery of something, as words, questions, or punches
a usually gated construction, similar to a low dam, across a watercourse, esp one to increase the depth of water to assist navigation or irrigation
fencing a heat or series of bouts in a competition

verb

tr to attack or confront with a barrage
the speaker was barraged with abuse

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Word History and Origins

Origin of barrage¹

1855–60; < French: blocking, barring off, barrier, equivalent to barr ( er ) to bar ¹ + -age -age; artillery sense by ellipsis from French tir de barrage barrier fire

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Word History and Origins

Origin of barrage¹

C19: from French, from barrer to obstruct; see bar ¹

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