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carpet-bomb

American  
[kahr-pit-bom] / ˈkɑr pɪtˌbɒm /

verb (used with object)

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


Other Word Forms

  • carpet bombing noun
  • carpet-bombing noun

Etymology

Origin of carpet-bomb

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some are using the tech to carpet-bomb the market with content.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

Rather than carpet-bomb cancer with chemotherapy and radiation, oncologists are deploying the pharmaceutical equivalent of drones and precision missiles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

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 • May 18, 2024

And thus does director Brian Henson carpet-bomb his father’s legacy.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 23, 2018

Noting that the administration’s prime objective is to defeat the Islamic State’s violent ideology, Mr. McPeak said: “You can’t carpet-bomb an idea, or at least you shouldn’t try to.”

From Washington Times • Sep. 28, 2014