enfilade

[/ˈɛnfɪleɪd/ or /ˌɑːnfɪˈlɑːd/]
noun, verbpl: enfilades
enfiada, tiro enfiado, fileira
1. (Military) Gunfire directed along the length of a line or position, from end to end
The soldiers were caught in an enfilade of machine gun fire from the hilltop.
Os soldados foram apanhados em uma enfiada de tiros de metralhadora do topo da colina.
2. (Architecture) A suite of rooms with doorways in line with each other
The palace featured a beautiful enfilade of grand reception halls.
O palácio apresentava uma bela fileira de salas de recepção grandiosas.
3. (Verb) To rake with gunfire along a line; to subject to enfilade fire
The fortified position was enfiladed by artillery from across the valley.
A posição fortificada foi enfiada por artilharia do outro lado do vale.
4. A line or series of things arranged in sequence
An enfilade of shops lined the main street.
Uma fileira de lojas alinhava a rua principal.
This term is primarily used in military and architectural contexts. In military history, enfilade tactics were crucial in warfare, particularly during WWI and WWII. In contemporary usage, it appears mainly in historical documents, military theory, and architectural design discussions. The architectural meaning is more common in formal or academic contexts discussing classical European palace design.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
rake (military)crossfireline of firevolleysuite (architecture)
Antonyms / Antônimos
protectioncovershelter

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
enfiada, tiro enfiado
Used primarily in military contexts
Portugal
enfiada, tiro enfileirado
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese
Architecture - all regions
fileira, sequência de salas
When referring to architectural suites

Related Words

artilleryfortificationcrossfireflanking firedoorwaycorridorsalon

Related Idioms & Phrases

caught in an enfilade
under enfilade fire
enfilade of rooms
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