fusillade

[fyoo-suh-leyd, -lahd, -zuh-]

noun

1. a simultaneous or continuous discharge of firearms.

2. a general discharge or outpouring of anything.

   a fusillade of questions.

verb (used with object)

fusilladed, fusillading 

1. to attack or shoot by a fusillade.

fusillade

/ -ˈlɑːd, ˌfjuːzɪˈleɪd /

noun

1. a simultaneous or rapid continual discharge of firearms

2. a sudden outburst, as of criticism

verb

1. (tr) to attack with a fusillade

Word History and Origins

Origin of fusillade¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; from French, equivalent to fusill(er) “to shoot” ( fusil ¹ ) + -ade -ade ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of fusillade¹

C19: from French, from fusiller to shoot; see _fusil ¹

Example Sentences

He announced his gubernatorial run in November with a fusillade of television and digital ads.

From Los Angeles Times

During the war, it lobbed successive fusillades of ballistic missiles, and though most were felled en route or were destroyed by Israel’s defense network, those that got through left destruction unseen in Israel for decades.

From Los Angeles Times

An Israeli fusillade around noon Sunday and in the afternoon saw four areas in Tehran targeted, including major commercial thoroughfares, according to state media.

From Los Angeles Times

Amid President Trump’s fusillades against the media, a recent strike stood out:

From Los Angeles Times

In the unprecedented wind-driven fires of January, a fusillade of embers flew from burning hillside brush to neighborhoods, igniting houses and any fencing and furniture around them that would burn.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• barrage 
• broadside 
• salvo 
• volley