The word "enfiladed" is often misspelled due to its unusual spelling. It is pronounced /ˈɛnfəleɪdɪd/, with the stress on the second syllable. The word is derived from the French word "enfilade", meaning to align something, usually furniture, in a straight line. Enfiladed, however, is the past tense of the verb "enfilade", and refers to firing a gun or guns in a straight line at an enemy's troop or position. So, next time you use this word, remember its spelling and correct pronunciation /ɛnfəleɪdɪd/.
Enfiladed is a term used in military strategy to describe a situation in which an object, usually a defensive position or a line of troops, is directly exposed to fire along its long axis. The term originates from the French word "enfilade," meaning "threaded," which refers to the alignment of objects in a straight line.
In warfare, when an object is enfiladed, it means that an attacking force has positioned itself in a manner that allows it to fire at the target from the side, along its entire length. This strategic maneuver is advantageous because it maximizes the effectiveness of firepower, as the attacking force can hit multiple targets or individuals without obstruction.
Enfiladed positions can encompass a variety of situations, such as bunkers, trenches, or even entire defensive lines. The enfilading fire can come from a single source or multiple sources, such as artillery, machine guns, or riflemen. By exploiting the enfilade position, the attacking force can greatly compromise the defensive strength, as it becomes difficult for the defenders to find cover or properly engage the attackers.
Overall, enfiladed refers to a military scenario in which an attacking force strategically positions itself to fire upon a target from the side, along its entire length. This maneuver gives the attackers a significant advantage by allowing them to effectively engage and weaken the defenders.
The word "enfiladed" has its origins in military terminology. It comes from the French word "enfiler", which means "to thread" or "to pass through". In a military context, "enfilade" refers to the act of firing a weapon along the length of an enemy position or formation, causing a crossfire that can be devastating for the targeted troops. The term originated in the late 17th century and has been in use ever since. The verb form "enfiladed" is derived from this noun, indicating the action of subjecting a target to an enfilade attack.