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Glite Dictionary
counterpreparation fire

counterpreparation fire

9.9
A planned heavy attack with artillery to weaken enemy forces before an assault
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : fuego de contrabatería
  • The artillery unit opened counterpreparation fire as soon as enemy movement was detected beyond the ridge.

Examples

  • Effective counterpreparation fire disrupted the enemy's ability to launch a coordinated assault.

  • Commanders ordered counterpreparation fire to delay the advancing forces before they reached the main defensive positions.

  • The army initiated counterpreparation fire at dawn.

  • During the battle, we relied on counterpreparation fires to disrupt the enemy.

  • Commanders ordered counterpreparation fire to delay the advancing forces before they reached the main defensive positions.

  • Effective counterpreparation fire disrupted the enemy's ability to launch a coordinated assault.

  • The artillery unit opened counterpreparation fire as soon as enemy movement was detected beyond the ridge.

Synonyms

suppressive fire
vscounterpreparation fire
  • Specialized
1 7.8

Continuous gunfire aimed at an enemy to stop them firing or moving so friendly troops can advance

is preplanned and aimed to stop an imminent assault rather than ongoing suppression
preparation fire
vscounterpreparation fire
  • Specialized
9.3

A set of shots from guns or artillery aimed at enemy positions before an attack

is specifically preplanned and fired when an imminent attack is detected
concentrated fire
vscounterpreparation fire
  • Jargon
7.1

Fire from several weapons aimed together at one target

is used as an intensive preplanned action to disrupt an approaching assault
massed fire
vscounterpreparation fire
  • Specialized
8.8

Many weapons fire together at one target

is executed to preempt or disrupt an imminent enemy attack rather than general coordination
drumfire
vscounterpreparation fire
  • Specialized
9.9

A long, very loud attack by many heavy guns firing rapidly

is focused on planned disruption of an approaching assault rather than only sustained intensity
barrage fire
vscounterpreparation fire
  • Specialized
9.3

A long heavy stream of shots from large guns across a wide area to hit many places

is directed at enemy forces to disrupt an imminent assault rather than wide area saturation

How Intense

barrage
  • Specialized
14 7.6
counterpreparation fire
  • Specialized
9.9
counterbattery fire
  • Specialized
8.3
preparation fire
  • Specialized
9.3
harassing fire
  • Specialized
9.3

Surface Forms

counterpreparation fire singular
counterpreparation fires plural

Morphology

counterpreparation + fire

The noun can be parsed compositionally: 'counter' (against) + 'preparation' (getting ready) combined with 'fire' (artillery firing) yields the idea of artillery directed to oppose an enemy's preparations. However, the compound 'counterpreparation' is technical military jargon and the precise tactical nuance (preplanned, timed when attack is imminent) is domain-specific and may not be fully predictable to a B1 learner, so the transparency is limited.

Etymology

The military term counterpreparation fire paints a simple picture: when soldiers see the enemy getting ready to attack, they send planned fire to counter the enemy's preparation. So, it means heavy, planned gunfire used to disrupt an imminent 'attack'.