blitz

[ blits ]

noun

1. Military.
   1. an overwhelming all-out attack, especially a swift ground attack using armored units and air support.
   2. an intensive aerial bombing.
2. any swift, vigorous attack, barrage, or defeat:

   a blitz of commercials every few minutes.

3. Football. act or instance of charging directly for (the passer) as soon as the ball is snapped; red-dogging.
4. bingo.

verb (used with object)

1. to attack or defeat with or as if with a blitz:

   The town was blitzed mercilessly by enemy planes. The visitors really blitzed the home team.

2. to destroy; demolish:

   His last-minute refusal blitzed all our plans.

verb (used without object)

1. Football. to charge directly and immediately at the passer; red-dog.
2. to move in the manner of a blitz:

   a car that will blitz through rough terrain.

Blitz

¹

/ blɪts /

noun

1. the Blitz
   the systematic night-time bombing of Britain in 1940–41 by the German Luftwaffe

blitz

²

/ blɪts /

noun

1. a violent and sustained attack, esp with intensive aerial bombardment
2. any sudden intensive attack or concerted effort

   an advertising blitz

   a drink-driving blitz

3. American football a defensive charge on the quarterback

verb

1. tr to attack suddenly and intensively

Other Words From

• blitzer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of blitz¹

First recorded in 1935–40; shortening of blitzkrieg

Word History and Origins

Origin of blitz¹

C20: shortened from German Blitzkrieg lightning war

Example Sentences

The latter was the team’s longest offensive play of the season and came on a zero blitz, meaning the Patriots sent more pass rushers in lieu of keeping a safety back to help in coverage.

From Los Angeles Times

The Boks and the blitz - can England keep faith in defence?

From BBC

Jones was the mastermind behind South Africa’s ‘blitz’ defence, with tacklers rushing up in defence, attempting to shut down opponents’ time and space.

From BBC

“Some of the plays that he makes down the field, tracking the football, blitzing the quarterback, batting balls down or whatever it is, he’s still got all the tools.”

From Los Angeles Times

A publicity blitz about the programme saw loudspeaker vans and an illuminated tram car tour the city, aeroplane banner advertising and two specially-commissioned campaign songs broadcast at football matches.

From BBC

Related Words

• assault
• bombardment
• bombing
• offensive
• onslaught
• raid
• shelling