defilade
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˌdɛfɪˈleɪd/
- Specialized
- There's a little defilade over there, but it's the perfect fire position if we get some goddamn armour on the beach.
Examples
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The soldiers positioned themselves in a deep defilade to avoid enemy fire.
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Heavy weapon in defilade below!
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Find the defilade, find out whether it's an explosion or animal attack
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That should give you complete defilade from that machine-gun position.
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Enfilade, defilade...
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The commanding officer pointed out the defilade that provided ideal cover for their approach.
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Using the natural defilade of the terrain, they safely moved towards the target.
Synonyms
7
3.3
A wall or barrier that protects against attack
1
8.1
Designing and building military defenses to protect places from attack
1
8.6
A military position protected by trenches
1
3.9
A building or wall built to protect a place from attack
1
8.9
A long narrow trench that soldiers use to shelter while shooting at the enemy
1
9.9
A movable shield that protects soldiers from enemy fire
1
9.9
A defensive position where soldiers stand behind trenches during war
How Protected
Surface Forms
Etymology
Defilade comes from the French défilade and is linked to the English word file, meaning a single line, and to the idea of a 'narrow pass'. Imagine soldiers moving in a line behind a ridge so they are out of sight; that's why defilade means arranging cover or positions to protect troops from enemy fire.