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drumfire

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈdrʌmˌfaɪər/

KK: /drʌmˌfaɪər/

noun
Definition

A heavy and continuous sound of gunfire or something that resembles such a sound, often used to describe a barrage of criticism or intense activity.


Example

The soldiers were met with a drumfire of bullets as they advanced.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that drumfire of criticism about the new movie?
Sloth B
Yeah, it seems like everyone has an opinion on it now.
Sloth A
I wonder if the drumfire will die down once people see it again.
Sloth B
Probably! Sometimes the initial reactions can be really intense.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
barrage
onslaught
fusillade
Antonyms
silence
calm
peace
Root Explanation

Drumfire is formed from "drum" (from Middle English "drom", meaning a percussion instrument) and "fire" (from Old English "fyr", meaning fire or flame). The term originally referred to a rapid, continuous firing of artillery, likening the sound to that of a drum being played continuously.

Memory Tip

Imagine the sound of a drum beating rapidly, like the continuous 'fire' of artillery — that's how 'drumfire' connects the rhythm of a drum to the intensity of gunfire.

Visually Confused Words
rimfire
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