bombard

[/bɒmˈbɑːrd/ (UK) /bɑːmˈbɑːrd/ (US)]
verb
bombardear
1. to attack a place continuously with bombs or shells
The city was bombarded by enemy forces for weeks.
A cidade foi bombardeada pelas forças inimigas por semanas.
2. to direct a large number of questions, complaints, or requests at someone
Reporters bombarded the celebrity with questions at the press conference.
Repórteres bombardearam a celebridade com perguntas na coletiva de imprensa.
3. to direct or shower something in large quantities upon
The marketing campaign bombarded consumers with advertisements.
A campanha de marketing bombardeou os consumidores com anúncios.
4. in physics, to direct a stream of particles at a target
Scientists bombard atoms with electrons in the laboratory.
Cientistas bombardeiam átomos com elétrons no laboratório.
In American English, 'bombard' is commonly used in everyday speech to describe overwhelming someone with information, requests, or criticism. The figurative use is far more frequent in contemporary casual conversation than the military sense. Brazilian Portuguese uses 'bombardear' similarly in both contexts, though the military historical references are less common in modern discourse.
NYC Slang
bomb someone (with questions/requests)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
attackshellpoundassaultpepperinundatedeluge
Antonyms / Antônimos
defendprotectshield

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
bombardear
Standard usage for both military and figurative contexts
Rio de Janeiro
bombardear
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
bombardear
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
bombardear
Identical usage in European Portuguese

Related Words

bombbombardmentbombardsbombardierbombingexplosiveartillery

Related Idioms & Phrases

bombard with questions
bombard with complaints
under bombardment
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