Area bombing – Definition & Meaning

Area bombing is a military tactic that involves dropping bombs on a large area rather than targeting specific military installations or targets. It is also known as carpet bombing, saturation bombing, or blanket bombing. This tactic was used extensively during World War II and has since been the subject of much debate and controversy.

Definitions

Area bombing refers to a bombing strategy that involves targeting a large area with bombs, rather than specific targets. It is often used to destroy enemy infrastructure, disrupt supply lines, and damage morale. The goal is to create a sense of terror and destruction that will force the enemy to surrender.

Origin

The origins of area bombing can be traced back to the early days of air warfare. During World War I, aircraft were used primarily for reconnaissance and observation. However, as technology improved, aircraft became more effective at dropping bombs on enemy targets. The first major use of area bombing occurred during the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s. The tactic was later used extensively during World War II by both the Allies and the Axis powers.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, area bombing is defined as “the bombing of a particular area or region, as opposed to the selective bombing of specific targets.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a bombing attack on a large area (such as a city) rather than on a specific target.”

Associations

Area bombing is often associated with the devastation and destruction that it can cause. It has been used in some of the most destructive conflicts in human history, including World War II and the Vietnam War. The use of area bombing has also been criticized for its impact on civilian populations and the potential for causing unnecessary suffering.

Synonyms

Synonyms for area bombing include carpet bombing, saturation bombing, and blanket bombing. These terms all refer to the same tactic of targeting a large area with bombs.

Antonyms

Antonyms for area bombing include precision bombing, targeted bombing, and strategic bombing. These terms refer to the opposite tactic of targeting specific military installations or targets.

The same root words

The same root words for area bombing include bomb, bombing, and bomber. These words all relate to the use of explosives in warfare.

Example Sentences

1. The city was devastated by the area bombing campaign.
2. The use of area bombing has been criticized for its impact on civilian populations.
3. The air force carried out a massive carpet bombing campaign to destroy enemy infrastructure.
4. The use of precision bombing has become more common in modern warfare.
5. The bomber dropped its payload on the target with deadly accuracy.