IPA: /ˈɛn.fɪ.leɪd/
KK: /ˈɛn.fɪ.leɪd/
A long line of rooms or doors that are arranged in a row, allowing a view through them when opened, or a type of gunfire aimed along a target's length.
The enfilade of rooms in the historic mansion provided a beautiful view of the garden.
To shoot at someone or something in a line, often with a series of shots or gunfire.
The soldiers were ordered to enfilade the enemy positions from the hilltop.
Past: enfiladed
Past Participle: enfiladed
Enfilade comes from the French word 'enfilade', which is derived from 'enfiler' (meaning to thread or to string together). The term originally referred to a line of fire along the length of a target, as if threading through it. Thus, enfilade describes a military tactic where troops are arranged to fire along a line, maximizing their effectiveness.
Imagine threading a needle — 'enfiler' means to thread, and 'enfilade' refers to a line of fire that threads through a target.