Broadsiding is a term that is commonly used in the field of journalism and communication. It is a word that is often used to describe the act of attacking or criticizing someone or something in a public manner. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of broadsiding, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Broadsiding can be defined as the act of attacking or criticizing someone or something in a public manner. It is also used to describe the act of publishing or disseminating information that is intended to damage someone’s reputation or credibility. In the field of journalism, it is often used to describe the act of publishing a story or article that is critical of a person or organization.
Origin
The term broadsiding has its roots in the printing industry. It was originally used to describe the act of printing a large sheet of paper that contained news or information. These sheets were often printed on one side only and were called broadsides. Over time, the term broadsiding came to be used to describe the act of attacking or criticizing someone or something in a public manner.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, broadsiding means “to attack with or as if with a broadside.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to attack or criticize severely.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to criticize someone or something severely, especially in public.”
Associations
Broadsiding is often associated with negative or hostile communication. It can be used to attack or criticize individuals or organizations, and it is often seen as an aggressive or confrontational approach to communication. It is also associated with the media, as journalists and news outlets often use broadsiding to report on controversial or sensitive topics.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of broadsiding include attacking, criticizing, denouncing, condemning, and rebuking.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of broadsiding include praising, complimenting, supporting, and endorsing.
The same root words
The word broadside is a noun that is closely related to broadsiding. It refers to a large sheet of paper that is printed on one side only and contains news or information. The word broadside can also be used as a verb, meaning to fire a cannon or other weapon from the side of a ship.
Example Sentences
- The newspaper published a scathing broadside against the mayor’s handling of the crisis.
- The politician was broadsided by accusations of corruption during the election campaign.
- The company was broadsided by a wave of negative publicity after a product recall.
- The coach broadsided the team for their lack of effort during the game.
In conclusion, broadsiding is a term that is commonly used in the field of journalism and communication. It is often associated with negative or hostile communication and is used to attack or criticize individuals or organizations. While it can be a powerful tool for holding people accountable, it can also be used to spread misinformation or damage someone’s reputation. As with any form of communication, it is important to use broadsiding responsibly and ethically.