Barrage

Noun

Definition: a concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide area

Definition: a rapid, heavy attack or outpouring of something

Synonyms: Bombardment, Salvo, Volley

Antonyms: Peace, Silence, Calm

Examples:

The enemy launched a barrage of artillery fire.
The politician faced a barrage of questions from the press.

Mnemonics:

"Bar-rage" - imagine a raging storm of artillery fire.

Etymology:

Origin:

French word "barrage" meaning barrier or dam

Historical Usage:

The term originally referred to a barrier or dam constructed across a river, but its meaning evolved to include the idea of a concentrated outpouring or attack.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"A barrage of criticism"

Explanation:

Refers to a constant and overwhelming amount of criticism aimed at someone or something.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Interchanging "barrage" with "barrier"

Explanation:

While "barrage" originally referred to a barrier or dam, its more commonly used meaning today is related to a heavy attack or outpouring.