Definition

To suddenly and quickly drop down towards a target from a high position, often used in the context of an aircraft or bird attacking or bombing.

Example

The fighter jet will divebomb the target during the training exercise.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see that bird divebomb the water earlier?

Yeah, it was really impressive how quickly it went down!

I wonder if it does that to catch fish or just for fun.

Probably both! It looked like it really enjoyed the thrill.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Divebomb → It is formed from "dive" (from Old English "dīfan", meaning to plunge or fall) and "bomb" (from French "bombe", meaning a projectile or explosive device). The word "divebomb" describes the act of plunging downwards rapidly, typically to drop a bomb.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bird that plunges down ('dive') to drop an explosive ('bomb') — that's how you can remember that 'divebomb' means to rapidly descend while releasing a bomb.

Visually Confused Words