bombardment
UK: bɒmˈbɑːdmənt | US: bɑːmˈbɑːrdmənt
n. the act of attacking a place with continuous gunfire or bombs
n. (figurative) a sustained and forceful verbal or written criticism
The word "bombardment" originates from the French "bombarder," meaning "to attack with bombs," which itself derives from "bombe" (bomb). The suffix "-ment" was added to form a noun denoting the action or result of bombarding. The root "bomb" traces back to the Latin "bombus" (a booming sound), reflecting the explosive nature of the attack. Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to describe relentless criticism or pressure.
The city endured heavy bombardment during the war.
The media's constant bombardment of negative news affected public morale.
The general ordered the bombardment of enemy positions at dawn.
She faced a bombardment of questions after her controversial statement.
The bombardment lasted for hours, leaving the town in ruins.