blitzkrieg

American  

[blits-kreeg] / ˈblɪtsˌkrig /

noun

1. blitz.

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blitzkrieg British  

/ ˈblɪtsˌkriːɡ /

noun

1. a swift intensive military attack, esp using tanks supported by aircraft, designed to defeat the opposition quickly

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blitzkrieg Cultural  

1. A form of warfare used by German forces in World War II. In a blitzkrieg, troops in vehicles, such as tanks, made quick surprise strikes with support from airplanes. These tactics resulted in the swift German conquest of France in 1940 (see fall of France). Blitzkrieg is German for “lightning war.”

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Etymology

Origin of blitzkrieg

1935–40; < German, equivalent to Blitz lightning + Krieg war

Example Sentences

Moreover, Papic believes the Strait of Hormuz will be prised open shortly, not just because of America’s blitzkrieg but by a coordinated response from the rest of the world.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

I asked officials and management experts to help compile a list of possible side effects from Musk’s blitzkrieg.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2025

“There needs to be a media blitzkrieg, local governments should warn people to stay indoors and make their hospitals ready to deal with heat-related cases,” he said.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2023

"But now it is clear to everyone that this is a war. And it became clear a long time ago when everyone realized that the blitzkrieg had failed."

From Reuters • Jun. 8, 2023

By then the Nazi blitzkrieg had begun in earnest, and Hitler’s forces were steamrolling across Europe.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield