barrage

English

/ˈbæɹɑːʒ/, /bəˈɹɑːʒ/

noun
Definitions
  • An artificial obstruction, such as a dam, in a river designed to increase its depth or to divert its flow.
  • (military) A heavy curtain of artillery fire directed in front of one's own troops to screen and protect them.
  • A concentrated discharge of projectile weapons.
  • (by extension) An overwhelming outburst of words, especially of criticism.
  • (fencing) A "next hit wins" contest to determine the winner of a bout in case of a tie.
  • Type of firework containing a mixture of firework types in one single-ignition package.

Etymology

Borrowed from French barrage (barrage, barrier).

Origin

French

barrage

Gloss

barrage, barrier

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms