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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: , , , ,
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

/ ˈ��æ��ɑː�� /

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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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The audits are the latest in a barrage of administrative actions against elite universities around the country.

From

Himalayan rivers like the Indus carry high silt levels, which quickly accumulate in dams and barrages.

From

Many interpreted that as a reference to her treatment at the 2016 Country Music Awards, where her performance of Daddy Lessons with The Chicks led to a barrage of criticism - and racism - online.

From

Tetteh rose to his feet on unsteady legs before the fight was waved off after a barrage of punches.

From

She began the year facing a barrage of criticism over the city’s handling of the Palisades fire — her initial absence, her removal of an outspoken fire chief, the unpredictable doings of her recovery czar.

From

Related Words

Barra de São Francisco barrage balloon

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