broadside
broadside Lexical Profile
broadside Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A fierce orbelligerent verbal or written attack directed at a person, institution, or policy.
"The senator launched a blistering broadside against the proposed tax legislation during the floor debate."
A simultaneous discharge of all the guns on one side of a warship, or the side of a ship itself above the waterline.
"During the naval reenactment, the historic frigate fired a thunderous blank broadside across the harbor."
A large sheet of paper printed on only one side, historically used for public proclamations, ballads, or advertisements.
"The university archive preserves several eighteenth-century broadsides announcing colonial town meetings."
• adverb
With the side facing toward a given point or object; sideways.
"The skidding delivery truck slid across the icy intersection and crashed broadside into the guardrail."
• verb
North American To collide forcefully with the side of (a vehicle).
"A speeding sedan ran the red light and broadsided the commuter bus in the middle of the avenue."
To assail or catch (someone) off guard with a sudden, harsh criticism or unexpected problem.
"The chief executive was broadsided by tough questions regarding the company's environmental record."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-16th century as a compound of 'broad' and 'side', originally referring to the entire side of a ship above the waterline before extending to the simultaneous discharge of its guns and, later, to fierce verbal attacks.