strafe
/strɑːf
/ /streɪf /verb [with object]
Attack repeatedly with bombs or machine-gun fire from low-flying aircraft: military aircraft strafed the village...
- Then the village is burned to the ground as those trying to escape are bombed and strafed by aircraft.
- Unopposed for much of the raid, they dive bombed ordinary streets, strafing them with machine gun fire.
- Several enemy aircraft were strafed and destroyed and airfield buildings were attacked.
noun
An attack from low-flying aircraft: next morning they were to carry out a strafe of airfields in southern Greece...
- Remember that a well-placed strafe will chew up an airplane on the ground.
Origin
Early 20th century: humorous adaptation of the German First World War catchphrase Gott strafe England 'may God punish England'.
This term for ‘to attack from low-flying aircraft’ was a humorous adaptation of the German First World War catchphrase Gott strafe England ‘may God punish England’.