barrage
What does "barrage" mean?
A barrage is a concentrated outpouring of something, often used to describe heavy artillery fire in a military context or a rapid, overwhelming stream of questions, criticisms, or obstacles in daily life. Imagine a dam breaking or a relentless storm of projectiles that makes it impossible to move or think clearly. In professional or journalistic settings, it is commonly used to describe a sudden influx, such as a "barrage of complaints" or a "barrage of media coverage." It implies that the sheer volume of the incoming items is designed to overwhelm or suppress the recipient.
"barrage" in conversation
Workplace feedback
I just finished the presentation, but my boss hit me with a barrage of questions about the budget.
I just finished the presentation, but my boss hit me with a barrage of questions about the budget.
That sounds exhausting. Did you have the data ready?
That sounds exhausting. Did you have the data ready?
Used here to emphasize the overwhelming number of questions asked in quick succession.
Sports commentary
The striker is under a barrage of defensive pressure as the clock ticks down.
The striker is under a barrage of defensive pressure as the clock ticks down.
He can barely turn around without a defender on him!
He can barely turn around without a defender on him!
Used to describe a relentless, focused attack.
"barrage" in a sentence
The enemy launched a sudden barrage of artillery fire.
The enemy launched a sudden barrage of artillery fire.
She faced a barrage of criticism after her controversial statement.
She faced a barrage of criticism after her controversial statement.
The software update triggered a barrage of error messages across the entire network.
The software update triggered a barrage of error messages across the entire network.
