ENFILADE FIRE Meaning and
Definition
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Enfilade fire is a military term that refers to a tactical maneuver where gunfire or artillery fire is directed along the length of an enemy's position, typically from a flanking or oblique angle. It involves aligning the weapons in a line with the enemy's defensive position in order to maximize the effectiveness of the attack.
The term "enfilade" comes from the French word "enfiler," which means to thread or string together. In the context of warfare, enfilade fire aims to establish a firing line that allows weapons to sweep across a target area, increasing the chances of hitting multiple targets simultaneously and disrupting the enemy's defenses.
Enfilade fire can be highly effective because it takes advantage of the fact that the enemy's defensive positions are often designed to withstand frontal assaults, leaving their flanks more vulnerable. By firing from an angle that runs parallel to the enemy's line, enfilade fire exposes their troops to a barrage of gunfire, making it difficult for them to seek cover or defend themselves adequately.
Historically, enfilade fire has been widely used in both land and naval warfare. It has been employed during battles and sieges, where it can help break through fortified positions, as well as in naval engagements, where ships would try to take positions alongside enemy vessels to deliver devastating broadside attacks.
Overall, enfilade fire plays a crucial role in military tactics by capitalizing on the element of surprise, firepower, and the exploitation of vulnerabilities in an enemy's defenses to gain a significant advantage in combat.
Common Misspellings for ENFILADE FIRE
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Etymology of ENFILADE FIRE
The word "enfilade" is derived from the French term "enfiler", which means "to thread" or "to string". In military terminology, "enfilade" refers to a technique of firing or positioning weaponry in a straight line or in alignment with the long axis of a target. The French phrase "feu en filade" translates to "fire in a string", describing the act of firing along the length of a target, particularly with firearms or cannons.
The term "enfilade fire" came into common use in the late 17th century and was primarily employed in siege warfare and fortifications. By positioning artillery or infantry along a defensive line or stronghold facing an approaching enemy, the aim was to maximize the effectiveness of gunfire by hitting the enemy forces directly in their front or side.
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