blitz

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A short, very intense period of activity to get something done quickly.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say a blitz or a blitz on something.

   Patterns

   • a blitz on something
   • a blitz of something
   • do a blitz

   We did a blitz on the kitchen before the guests arrived.

   The company launched a sales blitz to clear old stock.

   There was a blitz of emails after the meeting.

2. 2nouncountablemilitary

   A sudden, heavy military attack, especially from the air.

   Grammar: Often used with the: the Blitz refers to the bombing of British cities in World War II.

   Patterns

   • an air blitz
   • the Blitz
   • a blitz on a city

   The air blitz destroyed much of the city center.

   Many children were evacuated during the Blitz.

   The army prepared for a blitz on the enemy base.

3. 3verbtransitiveinformal

   To attack or defeat someone or something very quickly and forcefully.

   Grammar: Takes an object: blitz the defense.

   Patterns

   • blitz someone
   • blitz something

   The team blitzed their opponents in the first half.

   The marketing campaign blitzed social media for a week.

Word forms

Common combinations

a blitz on something

The council organized a blitz on litter in the park.

an advertising blitz

The new phone got a huge advertising blitz.

the Blitz

My grandfather lived through the Blitz in London.

blitz someone with something

Reporters blitzed the actor with questions.

Synonyms and how they differ

offensive

A military attack; blitz suggests speed and intensity, while offensive is a broader planned campaign.

push

A determined effort; blitz is stronger and suggests a short, intense burst.

strike

A sudden attack; blitz often implies air attack or overwhelming force.

Word family

blitzed adjective

Slang for very drunk or exhausted.

Commonly confused: blitz or blintz?

Practice

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