strafe

 
Pronunciation: /strɑːf, streɪf/

verb

[with object]
  • attack repeatedly with bombs or machine-gun fire from low-flying aircraft: military aircraft strafed the village

noun

  • an attack from low-flying aircraft: next morning they were to carry out a strafe of airfields in southern Greece

Origin:

early 20th century: humorous adaptation of the German First World War catchphrase Gott strafe England 'may God punish England'