barrage
UK: ˈbærɑːʒ | US: bəˈrɑːʒ
n. 1. A concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide area.
n. 2. An overwhelming quantity or rapid succession of something (e.g., questions, criticism).
vt. To bombard someone with a continuous flow of something.
The word barrage originated in 19th-century French military terminology, derived from barrer ("to bar" or "block"). It initially described a defensive barrier of artillery fire to block enemy advances. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe any overwhelming onslaught, such as a barrage of questions or information. The suffix -age solidifies its noun form, emphasizing the result of the action (blocking or bombarding).
The soldiers endured a relentless barrage of enemy fire.
The CEO faced a barrage of criticism after the company’s scandal.
Protesters barraged the politician with questions about climate policy.
The radio station was overwhelmed by a barrage of listener calls.
During the debate, she delivered a barrage of facts to support her argument.