Blitz
/blɪts/noun
A sudden, intense, and fast attack or campaign.
Did you know?The English word came through German military language, where it originally meant a sudden flash or strike, and it became globally famous through the terrifying “Blitz” bombing campaign of World War II.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*blik- / *blek-
“to shine, flash, gleam”
Old High German
OHG
blizzen
“to flash, glitter”
Middle High German
MHG
blitzen
“to flash, shine”
17th–18th Century
German
Blitz
“a flash of lightning”
19th Century
German
Blitz
“a sudden attack or rapid action”
20th Century
English
blitz
“a sudden, forceful attack or intensive campaign”