barrage

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbarɑːʒ/

noun

  • 1a concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide area: his forces launched an artillery barrage on the city
  • an overwhelming number of questions, criticisms, or complaints delivered simultaneously or in rapid succession: a barrage of questions
  • 2an artificial barrier across a river or estuary to prevent flooding, aid irrigation or navigation, or to generate electricity by tidal power: they are considering a tidal barrage built across the Severn estuary

verb

[with object]
  • bombard (someone) with questions, criticisms, or complaints: his doctor was barraged with unsolicited advice

Origin:

mid 19th century (in barrage (sense 2 of the noun)): from French, from barrer 'to bar', of unknown origin