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

There is no doubt that such sales increase revenue for the likes of Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart—even if it is mostly owing to the marketing blitzkrieg that hoodwinks consumers into spending big for small savings.

From Quartz

It’s akin to a blitzkrieg of fast and furious digital action, forcing one’s eyes to dart around the frame in sync with Amy’s conduct.

From The Daily Beast

This mood only began to change after the Nazi blitzkrieg of Poland drew Britain into the Second World War.

From The Daily Beast

Fueled by atrocity and a blitzkrieg of gains in Iraq and Syria, the Islamic State has enjoyed a meteoric climb to notoriety.

From The Daily Beast

Unfortunately, in Western and especially U.S. media, there has been a recent blitzkrieg of Putin-as-Hitler comparisons.

From The Daily Beast

Obama and Hitler use the ‘blitzkrieg’ method to overwhelm their enemies.

From The Daily Beast

Or, in Professor Gates' case, I can't decide whether to politely ask you to leave my house, or threaten to blitzkrieg your career.

From The Daily Beast

The shortcomings of Blitzkrieg ironically rest in its strengths.

From Project Gutenberg