barrage

Many questions, complaints, or criticisms directed at someone in a short time.

• She faced a barrage of questions.
• The proposal received a barrage of criticism.
• Reporters greeted him with a barrage of complaints.

How to use it: a barrage of something (The coach faced a barrage of questions.)

Similar words: flood, torrent

Common phrases: barrage of questions, barrage of criticism

Heavy firing from large guns across a wide area.

• The barrage began before dawn.
• Soldiers sheltered during the artillery barrage.
• A heavy barrage destroyed the enemy’s defenses.

Similar words: bombardment

Common phrases: artillery barrage, heavy barrage

A barrier built across a river to control the water or produce electricity.

• The barrage controls the river’s flow.
• Engineers closed the barrage gates before the storm.
• A tidal barrage can produce electricity.

Similar words: dam

Common phrases: tidal barrage, river barrage

To direct many questions or complaints at someone very quickly.

• Reporters barraged her with questions.
• Customers barrage the office with complaints.
• He was barraged with messages after the announcement.

How to use it: barrage someone with something (They barraged the manager with demands.)

Similar words: bombard

Common phrases: barrage someone with questions, barrage someone with complaints