fusillade
UK: ˈfjuːzɪleɪd | US: ˈfjuːzɪleɪd
n. 1. A simultaneous or rapid discharge of many firearms.
n. 2. A spirited outburst or barrage (e.g., of criticism or questions).
fusillade = fusil<gun> + ade<noun suffix indicating action or result>
- fusil: From Old French fusil (gun, firearm), derived from Latin focus (hearth, fire). The shift from "hearth" to "firearm" reflects the evolution of weaponry using fire-based mechanisms.
- ade: A French suffix denoting action or result (e.g., blockade, lemonade), from Latin -ata.
Etymology Origin:
The word fusillade emerged in 18th-century French (fusillade), combining fusil (gun) with -ade to describe a rapid gunfire action. Its Latin root focus (fire) ties to the explosive nature of firearms. The term later broadened metaphorically to describe any rapid verbal or symbolic "barrage."
The soldiers unleashed a fusillade of bullets at the enemy trenches.
The press conference ended with a fusillade of questions from reporters.
A fusillade of fireworks lit up the night sky.
His speech was met with a fusillade of criticism on social media.
The detective dodged a fusillade of accusations during the interrogation.