Banzai charge is a term that has been used in military history for decades. It is a tactic used by Japanese soldiers during World War II, where they would charge towards their enemy with the intention of sacrificing themselves for their country. In this article, we will discuss the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of the term “banzai charge.”
Definitions
A banzai charge is a suicidal attack carried out by Japanese soldiers in World War II. It involves a group of soldiers charging towards their enemy with the intention of sacrificing themselves for their country. The term “banzai” is a Japanese war cry that means “ten thousand years.”
Origin
The banzai charge originated in Japan during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century. It was used as a battle cry to rally troops and boost morale. During World War II, the banzai charge was used as a last resort tactic by the Japanese army to break through enemy lines.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a banzai charge is “a suicidal attack by Japanese soldiers, especially during World War II, in which they charged forward with bayonets or other weapons shouting ‘banzai’.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a suicidal attack by Japanese soldiers in World War II.”
Associations
The banzai charge is associated with the Japanese army during World War II. It is also associated with the kamikaze attacks, where Japanese pilots would intentionally crash their planes into enemy ships.
Synonyms
There are no direct synonyms for banzai charge, but it can be described as a suicidal attack or a last-ditch effort.
Antonyms
The antonym of banzai charge would be a tactical retreat or a strategic withdrawal.
The same root words
The term “banzai” comes from the Japanese language, and it means “ten thousand years.” It is often used as a celebratory cry at festivals and other events.
Example Sentences
- The Japanese soldiers launched a banzai charge against the American troops, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.
- The banzai charge was a desperate attempt by the Japanese army to break through enemy lines.
- The kamikaze attacks and the banzai charges were two of the most infamous tactics used by the Japanese during World War II.
In conclusion, the banzai charge is a term that is associated with the Japanese army during World War II. It is a suicidal attack carried out by soldiers with the intention of sacrificing themselves for their country. The term “banzai” means “ten thousand years” in Japanese and was used as a war cry to rally troops. Despite its historical significance, the banzai charge is now seen as a symbol of the senseless loss of life in war.