Search Dictionary
Definition of flak

flak

/flæk/
flak
JUMP TO:

flak Lexical Profile

flak Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Strong, persistent criticism, opposition, or verbal abuse directed at someone or something.

Example

"The mayor took a lot of flak from residents after proposing an increase in local property taxes."

2

Anti-aircraft artillery fire, or the bursting shells fired from ground defenses at aircraft.

Example

"Historical accounts from the Second World War describe how reconnaissance pilots navigated through heavy flak over industrial cities."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for flak
Antonyms
View all antonyms for flak

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with its homophone 'flack', which traditionally refers to a publicity agent or press representative, whereas 'flak' refers to anti-aircraft fire or severe criticism.

• Rhymes for flak

• Nearby Words

flagstoned
flail
flair
flak
flake
flakily
flakiness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 1930s from the German acronym Flak, short for Fliegerabwehrkanone, meaning 'aircraft-defense cannon'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flak. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flak
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.