precision bombing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Military, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “precision bombing” mean?
A military tactic of bombing specific targets with high accuracy to minimize collateral damage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A military tactic of bombing specific targets with high accuracy to minimize collateral damage.
Can metaphorically refer to any highly targeted, focused action intended to achieve a specific outcome with minimal unintended consequences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling of related terms may follow national conventions (e.g., 'defence' vs. 'defense').
Connotations
Primarily neutral/technical in both, though context (war reporting) can give it negative or positive valence depending on viewpoint.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in military and news contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “precision bombing” in a Sentence
[verb] precision bombing (e.g., employ, use, conduct)precision bombing [prep.] (e.g., of [target], against [target])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “precision bombing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The RAF precision-bombed the factory.
- They are precision-bombing strategic targets.
American English
- The Air Force precision-bombed the compound.
- The strategy involves precision-bombing key infrastructure.
adverb
British English
- The target was struck precision-bombingly.
- (Adverbial use is extremely rare and awkward)
American English
- The jets attacked precision-bombingly.
- (Adverbial use is extremely rare and awkward)
adjective
British English
- They carried out a precision-bombing raid.
- Precision-bombing capabilities were upgraded.
American English
- A precision-bombing campaign was authorized.
- Precision-bombing technology has evolved.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for highly focused marketing campaigns or cost-cutting measures.
Academic
Discussed in military history, political science, and ethics of war.
Everyday
Rare; used mainly in news discussions about conflicts.
Technical
Specific military term referring to use of PGMs (Precision-Guided Munitions).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “precision bombing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “precision bombing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “precision bombing”
- Using 'precise bombing' (adjective form is less common as a compound noun).
- Confusing with 'smart bombing' (a more colloquial synonym).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While the term implies high accuracy, technological failures, human error, or faulty intelligence can still lead to misses or collateral damage.
Yes, metaphorically. For example, 'The CEO's precision bombing of underperforming departments streamlined the company.'
Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs) using laser guidance, GPS, or inertial navigation systems.
The concept existed in WWII, but it became a dominant military strategy with technological advances during the Vietnam War and especially after the 1991 Gulf War.
A military tactic of bombing specific targets with high accuracy to minimize collateral damage.
Precision bombing is usually formal, technical, military, journalistic in register.
Precision bombing: in British English it is pronounced /prɪˈsɪʒ.ən ˈbɒm.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /prɪˈsɪʒ.ən ˈbɑː.mɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not idiomatic]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PRECISE surgeon using a laser (bomb) to remove only the diseased tissue (target).
Conceptual Metaphor
WAR IS SURGERY (the military is a surgeon, bombs are surgical instruments, the enemy is disease).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary conceptual opposite of 'precision bombing'?