suppressive fire

[/səˈprɛsɪv ˈfaɪər/]
nounpl: suppressive fires
fogo de supressão
1. Gunfire directed at an enemy position to prevent the enemy from firing effectively or moving freely, without necessarily destroying the target
The squad provided suppressive fire while their comrades advanced toward the objective.
O pelotão forneceu fogo de supressão enquanto seus camaradas avançavam em direção ao objetivo.
2. Military tactic of laying down continuous fire to keep enemy forces pinned down or forced to take cover
Suppressive fire from the machine gun position kept the enemy troops immobilized behind the barricade.
O fogo de supressão da posição de metralhadora manteve as tropas inimigas imobilizadas atrás da barricada.
This is specialized military terminology used in formal military training, doctrine, and tactical discussions in both Brazil and Portugal. It is part of standard NATO military vocabulary and is used consistently across Portuguese-speaking military forces. The term is rarely encountered in civilian discourse outside military contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
covering firepinning firefire supportharassing fire
Antonyms / Antônimos
direct fireaimed fire

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
fogo de supressão
standard military terminology used in formal contexts and military manuals
Portugal
fogo de supressão
identical terminology used in Portuguese Armed Forces doctrine
Military usage
fogo de cobertura
alternative term sometimes used interchangeably in tactical contexts

Related Words

fire supportcovering firecrossfirebarrageenfiladegrazing fire

Related Idioms & Phrases

lay down suppressive fire
provide suppressive fire
suppress enemy fire
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