anti-aircraft
|an-ti-air-craft|
🇺🇸
/ˌæntiˈɛr.kræft/
🇬🇧
/ˌæntiˈeə.krɑːft/
against aircraft
Etymology
'anti-aircraft' originates in modern English as a compound formed from the prefix 'anti-' and the noun 'aircraft', where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'aircraft' meant 'a machine for flying (an airplane or similar vehicle)'.
'anti-' is from Greek via Latin meaning 'against'; 'aircraft' is a 20th-century English compound of 'air' + 'craft' referring to flying machines. The full compound 'anti-aircraft' emerged in the early 20th century (around World War I) to name weapons and defenses directed 'against aircraft'.
Initially used specifically for weapons and artillery 'against aircraft', the term broadened to refer also to systems, defenses, and descriptive uses (e.g., 'anti-aircraft capabilities' or 'anti-aircraft fire').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a weapon or group of weapons (such as guns or missiles) used to attack or defend against aircraft; the practice or system of using such weapons (often used in phrases such as 'anti-aircraft gun(s)' or 'anti-aircraft fire').
The city was protected by anti-aircraft batteries during the war.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
designed for use against aircraft; relating to weapons or defenses intended to attack or repel aircraft (e.g., anti-aircraft guns, anti-aircraft missiles).
The base was equipped with anti-aircraft missiles.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/10/14 17:40