broadside
UK: /ˈbrɔːdsaɪd/ | US: /ˈbrɔːdsaɪd/
n. 1. The side of a ship above the waterline.
n. 2. A simultaneous discharge of all guns on one side of a warship.
n. 3. A strongly worded verbal or written attack.
vt. 1. To attack or criticize fiercely.
broadside = broad<wide> + side<flank>
- broad: From Old English "brād," meaning "wide" or "spacious."
- side: From Old English "sīde," meaning "flank" or "lateral surface."
Etymology Origin:
Originally a nautical term (16th century), "broadside" referred to the entire side of a ship, where cannons were mounted. The metaphorical sense of a verbal "attack" emerged in the 18th century, likening criticism to a naval bombardment. The word’s logic reflects physical width (broad) and positional orientation (side), later extended to figurative assaults.
The pirate ship fired a devastating broadside at the merchant vessel.
The newspaper published a scathing broadside against government corruption.
During the debate, the candidate delivered a verbal broadside to his opponent.
The frigate’s broadside crippled the enemy’s hull.
Her speech was a broadside against corporate greed.