Skip to content

fusillade

gunfire, shooting

noun fu-zee-YAHD Rare

Usage Note

Fusillade refers to a rapid exchange of gunfire or a volley of shots — une fusillade éclate ('shooting breaks out'). It can also describe a mass execution by firing squad. The word entered English as 'fusillade', keeping its French spelling and meaning. The verb fusiller means 'to shoot' (often by firing squad).

Examples

"Une fusillade a éclaté près du marché."

Natural Translation

Shooting broke out near the market.

Explore French by topic