blitzkrieg

[ blits-kreeg ]

noun

1. blitz ( defs 1, 2, 5 ).

blitzkrieg

/ ˈblɪtsˌkriːɡ /

noun

1. a swift intensive military attack, esp using tanks supported by aircraft, designed to defeat the opposition quickly

blitzkrieg

1. A form of warfare used by German forces in World War II . In a blitzkrieg, troops in vehicles, such as tanks, made quick surprise strikes with support from airplanes. These tactics resulted in the swift German conquest of France in 1940 ( see fall of France ). Blitzkrieg is German for “ lightning war.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of blitzkrieg¹

1935–40; < German, equivalent to Blitz lightning + Krieg war

Word History and Origins

Origin of blitzkrieg¹

C20: from German: lightning war

Example Sentences

Some critics contend that might be preferable to Gascón’s blitzkrieg approach.

From Los Angeles Times

The planning, recruitment, and organizing to achieve a blitzkrieg on American democracy from within is taking place right now.

From Salon

Courtney was empathetic; Vayntrub had been chosen, essentially at random, to receive a blitzkrieg of violent and sexual taunts from legions of strangers for doing a job essentially identical to her own.

From New York Times

ANALYSIS: President Biden has framed it as an existential fight, one that requires sustained U.S. funding for Ukraine in order to keep Russian President Vladimir Putin from overrunning Eastern Europe with a 21st century blitzkrieg.

From Washington Times

But it all crumbled before a withering Azerbaijani blitzkrieg last month, with the enclave’s leaders forced to surrender and announce the republic’s dissolution by the end of the year.

From Los Angeles Times