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)

, fu·sil·lad·ed, fu·sil·lad·ing.

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

Nonetheless, the truck gunning in reverse was enough to trigger a fusillade of 19 bullets from McCormick and Phillips, who said they feared for each other’s lives.

From The Daily Beast

They can expect a fusillade of incoming from Gillibrand and her colleagues.

From The Daily Beast

During the whole day there was an incessant fusillade, the rebelsʼ chief stronghold being the Recoleto Convent.

From Project Gutenberg

Off to the left had sounded a series of sharp explosions, as a fusillade of rifle shots.

From Project Gutenberg

They had not long to wait; a sharp fusillade began, mingled with the cries and yells of the assailants.

From Project Gutenberg

Just ahead the rioters had turned to pour a fusillade of fifty shots into a house from which a revolver shot had been fired.

From Project Gutenberg

They saluted the dawn with a noisy fusillade that ran along the miles of winding line.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• barrage
• broadside
• salvo
• volley