carpet-bomb

[ kahr-pit-bom ]

verb (used with object)

1. to systematically bomb (a large target area) so as to completely destroy it.

Other Words From

• car·pet-bomb·ing car·pet bomb·ing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of carpet-bomb¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

She won the primary over Rep. David Trone, a sensationally wealthy liquor magnate who had invested 60 million smackers into his campaign to carpet-bomb Maryland airwaves for months on end.

From Slate

"They need to carpet-bomb on their patch and push new subjects that eclipse the pension reform."

From Reuters

As Russian units fanned out to prepare for an assault on Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv, Zelenskyy said Russia would need to carpet-bomb the city and kill its residents to take it.

From Seattle Times

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia would need to carpet-bomb Kyiv and kill its residents to take the city, where Ukrainians were armed with portable missiles and Molotov cocktails.

From Seattle Times

They knew there is no moral difference between those who carpet-bomb North Vietnam or southern Iraq and those who fly planes into buildings.

From Salon