What does "barrage" mean?
An artificial obstruction, such as a dam, in a river designed to increase its depth or to divert its flow.
Barrage
/bəˈɹɑʒ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An artificial obstruction, such as a dam, in a river designed to increase its depth or to divert its flow.
- Grammar: barrage is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: bombardment, outpouring, shelling, aim at.
- Useful contrasts: calm, ease, free flow.
- Usage evidence: The minister had to face a barrage of questions from the press.
How to use "barrage"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "barrage" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "barrage" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "barrage" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "barrage" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "barrage" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bombardment" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "barrage", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An artificial obstruction, such as a dam, in a river designed to increase its depth or to divert its flow.
- 2 the heavy fire of artillery to saturate an area rather than hit a specific target wordnet
- 3 A heavy curtain of artillery fire directed in front of one's own troops to screen and protect them.
"The 75s of V Corps fired a standard rolling barrage, while the larger 155 mm and 8-inch pieces fired standing barrages 500 meters beyond the barrage line. For the rolling barrage, one battery in each battalion fired low, bursting shrapnel instead of the standard high explosive."
- 4 the rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication (spoken or written) wordnet
- 5 A concentrated discharge of projectile weapons.
"Blast after blast, fiery outbreak after fiery outbreak, like a flaming barrage from within,[…]most of Edison's grounds soon became an inferno. As though on an incendiary rampage, the fires systematically devoured the contents of Edison's headquarters and facilities."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 An overwhelming outburst of words, especially of criticism. broadly
"Lesser lawyers who were vague in oral argument faced a barrage of sarcasm or, if he agreed with them, constant chiding to do better."
- 7 A "next hit wins" contest to determine the winner of a bout in case of a tie.
- 8 Type of firework containing a mixture of firework types in one single-ignition package.
Verb
- 1 To direct a barrage at. transitive
"Maybe now her daughter would stop barraging her with questions about her past."
- 2 address with continuously or persistently, as if with a barrage wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The minister had to face a barrage of questions from the press."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "barrage"?
Common synonyms include: bombardment, outpouring, shelling, aim at, antiaircraft barrage, arch dam.
How do you use "barrage" in a sentence?
The minister had to face a barrage of questions from the press.
How do you pronounce "barrage"?
Pronounced /bəˈɹɑʒ/.
Etymology
Unadapted borrowing from French barrage (“barrage, barrier”) c. 1859. Compare barrier.