defilade

verb

def·​i·​lade ˈde-fə-ˌlād How to pronounce defilade (audio)
-ˌläd
defiladed; defilading

transitive verb

: to arrange (fortifications) so as to protect the lines from frontal or enfilading fire and the interior from fire from above or behind
defilade noun

Word History

Etymology

probably from de- + -filade (as in enfilade)

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defilade was in 1828

Dictionary Entries Near defilade

Cite this Entry

“Defilade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defilade. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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