broadside
UK[ˈbrɔːdsaɪd]US[ˈbrɔːdsaɪd]
n
the side of a ship above the water line.
n
a simultaneous firing of all the guns on one side of a warship.
n
a strong or angry written or spoken attack (often in the phrase 'a broadside against').
Morpheme Breakdown
broad
side
broad
wide, extensive
side
flank, lateral surface
Etymology
the word 'broadside' is a transparent compound formed from two native english elements. 'broad', from old english 'brād', has maintained its core meaning of 'wide' since its proto-germanic origin. 'side', from old english 'sīde', derives from proto-germanic sīdō, also meaning 'flank' or 'side'. the term originally referred literally to the wide, flat side of a ship above the waterline. this literal sense naturally extended to the naval tactic of firing all cannons from that side simultaneously. by the late 18th century, the metaphorical sense of a forceful, sweeping verbal attack developed, drawing on the imagery of a powerful, all-at-once bombardment.
Analysis
Structure: broad + side
broad (old english, meaning 'wide, extensive') + side (old english, meaning 'flank, lateral surface').
Examples
the pirate ship turned to present its broadside to the merchant vessel.
the admiral ordered a full broadside, and the thunder of cannons filled the air.
the senator launched a scathing broadside against the new policy during the debate.