STRAFE

PRONUNCIATION: (strayf)

MEANING:
verb tr.:
1. To attack with machine-gun fire or bombs from a low-flying aircraft.
2. To criticize severely.
noun:
1. An attack from a low-flying aircraft.
2. A severe criticism.

ETYMOLOGY: From the German slogan "Gott strafe England!" ([May] God punish England!) during WWI. From German strafen (to punish). Earliest documented use: 1915.

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STRIAFE - layers of iron

STRIFE - precursor of strafe

TRAFE - impure; not permitted