noun

broadside

BRAWD-syd

Broadside (noun) means a strong, forceful attack, whether spoken or written. Example: “The critic launched a broadside against the new policy.”

noun

A strong, forceful attack, whether spoken or written.

"The critic launched a broadside against the new policy."

Historically, the simultaneous firing of all the guns on one side of a warship.

"The ship fired a broadside at the approaching fleet."

adv

Sideways, with the side facing something, especially in a collision.

"The car skidded and hit the wall broadside."

How to use broadside

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA forceful attack (in words), or the old naval meaning of firing all guns on one side of a ship at once; also used to mean "sideways."

Common pairings

launch a broadside hit broadside

Word forms

broadsided past tense, broadsides plural, broadsides singular

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The critic launched a _____ against the new policy.

Etymology

From broad + side, originally a naval term for firing all the cannons on one side of a ship at once.

Synonyms

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bill circular flyer throwaway flier tirade handbill philippic broadsheet

Related words

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Rhymes for broadside

ide tide hide ride wide side bide aide abide slide bride guide

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Frequently asked questions

What does “broadside” mean?

The word “broadside” means a strong, forceful attack, whether spoken or written. In plain terms, a forceful attack (in words), or the old naval meaning of firing all guns on one side of a ship at once; also used to mean "sideways.".

How do you pronounce “broadside”?

“Broadside” is pronounced BRAWD-syd (/ˈbrɔdˌsaɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “broadside” in a sentence?

Here is “broadside” used in a sentence: “The critic launched a broadside against the new policy.”

What part of speech is “broadside”?

Depending on how it is used, “broadside” can be a noun and an adverb.

How many meanings does “broadside” have?

“Broadside” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong, forceful attack, whether spoken or written.

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