carpet-bomb

American  

[kahr-pit-bom] / ˈkɑr pɪtˌbɒm /

verb (used with object)

1. to systematically bomb (a large target area) so as to completely destroy it.

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Other Word Forms

• carpet bombing noun
• carpet-bombing noun

Etymology

Origin of carpet-bomb

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Rather than carpet-bomb cancer with chemotherapy and radiation, oncologists are deploying the pharmaceutical equivalent of drones and precision missiles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

She won the primary over Rep. David Trone, a sensationally wealthy liquor magnate who had invested 60 million smackers into his campaign to carpet-bomb Maryland airwaves for months on end.

From Slate • May 18, 2024

The few ads Green does see mostly make sense to him, since they tend to be from the most popular candidates — “with the exception of Steyer, who continues to carpet-bomb us all.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2020

And thus does director Brian Henson carpet-bomb his father’s legacy.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 23, 2018

Noting that the administration’s prime objective is to defeat the Islamic State’s violent ideology, Mr. McPeak said: “You can’t carpet-bomb an idea, or at least you shouldn’t try to.”

From Washington Times • Sep. 28, 2014