banzai

[ bahn-zahy, bahn-; Japanese bahn-dzah-ee ]

interjection

1. (used as a Japanese patriotic cry or joyous shout.)
2. (used as a Japanese battle cry.)

adjective

1. leading to likely or inevitable death; suicidal:

   a banzai attack by Japanese troops in the last days of World War II.

banzai

/ ˈbɑːnzaɪ; bɑːnˈzaɪ /

interjection

1. a patriotic cheer, battle cry, or salutation

Word History and Origins

Origin of banzai¹

1890–95; < Japanese, equivalent to ban ten thousand + -zai, combining form of sai years of age (< Middle Chinese, akin to Chinese wàn-suì, Korean manse )

Word History and Origins

Origin of banzai¹

Japanese: literally, (may you live for) ten thousand years

Example Sentences

Forward went the line, until every man had been smitten down, and the last brave throat had shouted its last shrill "Banzai!"

From Project Gutenberg

Our long-drawn, serpent-like regiment, sent off with the hearty and sincere Banzai of the people, began to move on step by step.

From Project Gutenberg

Banzai was shouted two or three times; joy and congratulation resounded on the heights of Kenzan, which was now virtually ours.

From Project Gutenberg

I have been carrying this bottle in my belt since yesterday, to drink a Banzai in the enemys position.

From Project Gutenberg

The imperial colors waved high above our new camp, and the Banzai of rejoicing arose like surges of the sea!

From Project Gutenberg