carpet bombing
2
8.0
- noun
- /ˈkɑːrpɪt ˈbɑːmɪŋ/
- NSFW
:
bombardeo masivo
- Today, however, we no longer do carpet bombing; we don't burn the land or salt the earth.
- carpet bombing by B-52s
- carpet bombing with B-52
Examples
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The more likely outcome is that they will realize (as they should) that the carpet-bombing approach to negative advertising has its limits and move on to a new strategy.
Blog text (22) -
During the conflict, carpet bombing was used extensively, resulting in widespread devastation across the region.
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Romney has shown his roughness by carpet-bombing Newt with negative ads.
Blog text (1) -
Romney's strategy of carpet bombing rather than inspiring may result in the nomination, but at a heavy financial price that will leave him weakened in a general election.
Blog text (1) -
The military's strategy included carpet bombing to ensure total destruction of the enemy's resources.
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Historical documents reveal that carpet bombing was a controversial tactic due to its indiscriminate nature.
Synonyms
942
3.4
An attack using bombs to damage or scare people
47
7.0
A long, heavy attack with bombs or large guns on a place
1
8.2
To drop many bombs over a large area to destroy it
Attacking a large area from the air to destroy many buildings rather than specific targets
How Extensive
90
4.8
- NSFW
2
8.0
942
3.4
- Specialized
173
4.5
182
4.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound meaning is a straightforward metaphor: 'carpet' (a continuous layer covering a surface) combined with 'bombing' signals bombing that covers an area extensively and systematically. This visual/compositional mapping is predictable from the constituents, so a B1 learner who knows both words can reasonably infer the intended meaning.
Etymology
Carpet bombing comes from the image of many bombs falling so they cover the ground like a big carpet. That's why it means 'bombing that destroys a wide area without aiming at any one place'.