# barrage

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈbæɹɑːʒ/ · frequency rank #17,299

## Definitions
1. An artificial obstruction, such as a dam, in a river designed to increase its depth or to divert its flow.
2. A heavy curtain of artillery fire directed in front of one's own troops to screen and protect them.
3. A concentrated discharge of projectile weapons.
4. An overwhelming outburst of words, especially of criticism.
5. A "next hit wins" contest to determine the winner of a bout in case of a tie.
6. Type of firework containing a mixture of firework types in one single-ignition package.

## Etymology
Unadapted borrowing from French barrage (“barrage, barrier”) c. 1859. Compare barrier.

## Easily confused with
- **barre** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/barrage-vs-barre)
- **barge** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/barge-vs-barrage)
- **barra** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/barra-vs-barrage)
- **baggage** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/baggage-vs-barrage)
- **bandage** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/bandage-vs-barrage)
- **barrack** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/barrack-vs-barrage)

## Common misspellings (8)
`abrrage`, `barage`, `bararge`, `barraeg`, `barragge`, `barrgae`, `bbarrage`, `brarage`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/barrage