bombardment English · revision 1767

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1702}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /bɒmˈbɑːdmənt/ ''(UK)''; /bɑːmˈbɑːrdmənt/ ''(US)''^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed [[af|en|bombard|-ment]].^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Continuous attack on a place with shot and shell (1702).^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)^(HTOED)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Johnson (1755) defines it as an attack on a city by throwing bombs into it, quoting Addison: “Genoa is not yet secure from a bombardment”.^(Johnson 1755) In 1898 physics took it over for exposing a substance to a stream of particles,^(OED 1989)^(HTOED) and it is also used figuratively of an onslaught, as of questions or criticism.^(Wiktionary) In international law it means an attack with weapons that strike at a distance, from land, sea or air.^(Black's Law 2004)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1702 – continuous attack with shot and shell.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1755 – Johnson: an attack on a city with bombs.^(Johnson 1755)

+ * 1898 – subjection to a stream of particles (physics).^(OED 1989)^(HTOED)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The act of [[bombard|alt=bombarding]] or the state of being bombarded; a sustained attack with [[artillery]], [[missile]]s or bombs.^(MWU 2024)^(Webster's Third 1961)^(Black's Law 2004)

+ # ''(physics)'' The directing of a stream of high-energy [[particle]]s at a substance.^(OED 1989)^(Wiktionary)

+ # An onslaught, as of criticism or questions.^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[bombard]]

+ * [[bomb]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}