Enfilade meaning

Enfilade refers to a military tactic where enemy forces are fired upon from the side in a straight line.


Enfilade definitions

Word backwards edalifne
Part of speech The word "enfilade" can be used as a noun or a verb.
Syllabic division en-fi-lade
Plural The plural of the word "enfilade" is "enfilades."
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) e,i,a
Consonants (4) n,f,l,d

Enfilade refers to a military tactic where a series of firearms are arranged in a line to cover a specific area. This method allows for a concentrated and continuous firing on a target, providing a significant advantage in battle.

Enfilade fire can be particularly effective in controlling a battlefield, as it creates a deadly corridor of gunfire that makes it difficult for enemy forces to advance. By strategically positioning troops and weapons, an enfilade can disrupt enemy movements and inflict heavy casualties.

History of Enfilade Tactics

Enfilade tactics have been used throughout history, with notable examples in ancient warfare, such as the Roman phalanx formation. The tactic became increasingly prevalent during the Napoleonic Wars and was refined in the 19th and 20th centuries with the advent of modern firearms.

Strategic Importance

One of the key advantages of enfilade fire is its ability to exploit the vulnerabilities of enemy positions. By firing along the length of an enemy's line, troops can strike at exposed flanks and maximize damage. This makes enfilade a crucial tactic in engagements where superior positioning is essential.

Modern Applications

Enfilade tactics continue to be used in modern warfare, especially in urban combat scenarios. The tactic is employed by military forces to control streets, alleys, and other confined spaces where a linear approach to firepower can be highly effective.

Overall, the concept of enfilade remains a valuable strategy in military operations, offering a tactical advantage in various combat situations. Its ability to concentrate firepower and exploit enemy weaknesses makes it a formidable tool in the hands of skilled military commanders.


Enfilade Examples

  1. The soldiers positioned themselves in a strategic enfilade to attack the enemy.
  2. The sniper took out the target from an enfilade position along the street.
  3. The bullets flew in a deadly enfilade, hitting multiple targets in a single line.
  4. The enemy's position was vulnerable to enfilade fire from the surrounding hills.
  5. The troops used enfilade tactics to gain an advantage over the opposing forces.
  6. The archers lined up in enfilade formation to rain arrows down on the advancing army.
  7. The fortress was built with defenses to prevent enfilade attacks from the nearby river.
  8. The enemy was caught off guard by the enfilade assault, leading to their quick defeat.
  9. The general ordered his troops to advance in enfilade formation to maximize their firepower.
  10. The artillery barrage was directed in enfilade, causing devastation along the enemy's front line.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 19/04/2024 - 11:03:25