a barrage of hostility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a barrage of hostility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an overwhelming or intense display of negative feelings or aggression directed towards someone or something. Example: "After the controversial decision was announced, the officials faced a barrage of hostility from the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But the coalition endured a barrage of hostility.

The New York Times

Like Jasmine née Jeanette, Allen, of course, also endured (in the early nineties) the shattering of his public identity and a barrage of hostility; like her, he was rejected by one of his children in the wake of scandal.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Women in France struggle even more than in other advanced industrial societies to assume leading positions in politics (the law on parité, for example, is openly flouted by all parties) – and when they do break through the glass ceiling, female politicians face an exceptional barrage of hostility: Édith Cresson is the only woman to have served as prime minister, and she lasted less than a year.

The Guardian - Books

One of them, Newt Gingrich, a former speaker of the House, says the EPA should be abolished altogether and an "environmental solutions agency" more sympathetic to business set up in its stead.EPA officials appear baffled by this barrage of hostility.

The Economist

On Sunday she said that the unrelenting barrage of hostility since she became minister in April was more vicious than she had anticipated, but would not stop her doing her job.

The Guardian

And both Mr. Kerry and Mr. Bush will be campaigning intensively, during most of what is normally a dark month in presidential politics, against the anxious uncertainty created by the hostilities in Iraq, a barrage of questions about America's intelligence efforts and the constant threat of another domestic terrorist attack at home.

The New York Times

When asked whether he enjoys the company of women, "Horner's language in a constant barrage of hostile wit, discharging hostility which cannot, at the moment, be directly expressed.

Wikipedia

LAUREL, Md .— Before he stormed into a quiet newsroom and unleashed a burst of gunfire that left five people dead, the suspect in the Maryland attack vented his hostility at the world with a barrage of lawsuits, harassment and workplace conflict.

The New York Times

A barrage of bullets.

The New York Times

A barrage of presidential trivia followed.

The New York Times

Grigson deflected a barrage of Manning questions.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a barrage of hostility", ensure the context clearly illustrates a sustained and overwhelming negative reaction or opposition. This phrase is most effective when describing situations involving intense and prolonged animosity.

Common error

Avoid using "a barrage of hostility" to describe mild disagreements or isolated incidents of negativity. This phrase implies a severe and continuous outpouring of animosity, so reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a barrage of hostility" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig shows that it describes an intense and overwhelming outpouring of negative emotions or actions. It indicates that someone or something is receiving considerable amounts of animosity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a barrage of hostility" is a noun phrase used to describe an intense and overwhelming outpouring of negative emotions or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for describing situations marked by considerable animosity. The phrase, while relatively rare, is predominantly found in news and media contexts, emphasizing its role in conveying serious conflicts or opposition. When using the phrase, writers should ensure the context reflects a sustained and significant wave of animosity, avoiding its application to minor disagreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an onslaught of animosity

This phrase uses 'onslaught' instead of 'barrage' to emphasize the forceful and overwhelming nature of the animosity.

a torrent of antagonism

This uses 'torrent' to illustrate a continuous and heavy flow of antagonistic behavior.

a wave of aggression

This replaces 'barrage' with 'wave' to describe a sudden surge of aggressive actions or feelings.

an outbreak of hatred

This phrase focuses on the sudden and widespread eruption of hatred.

a storm of resentment

This uses 'storm' to convey a turbulent and intense expression of resentment.

a flood of animus

Replaces hostility with 'animus' to denote strong prejudice or dislike.

an eruption of bitterness

Highlights the sudden and explosive release of deep-seated bitterness.

a hail of criticism

Shifts the focus to verbal attacks, using 'hail' to suggest numerous and rapidly delivered criticisms.

a fusillade of abuse

This uses 'fusillade' to describe a rapid series of abusive attacks.

a mounting of negativity

This emphasizes the increasing and accumulating nature of negative sentiment.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a barrage of hostility" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a barrage of hostility", ensure your sentence clearly illustrates a sustained and overwhelming negative reaction. For example: "The politician faced "a barrage of hostility" after the controversial decision."

What are some alternatives to "a barrage of hostility"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives such as "an onslaught of animosity", "a torrent of antagonism", or "a wave of aggression".

Is there a difference between "a barrage of hostility" and "a wave of hostility"?

"A barrage of hostility" implies a continuous, rapid, and overwhelming outpouring of negative feelings, while "a wave of hostility" suggests a surge or swell of negative feelings that may eventually subside. The former suggests more intensity and duration.

When is it appropriate to use "a barrage of hostility" instead of "some criticism"?

Use "a barrage of hostility" when the negative reaction is not just simple criticism but an intense, sustained, and overwhelming display of animosity. If it's merely some disagreement or suggestions for improvement, "some criticism" is more appropriate.