Salvo
/ˈsæl.voʊ/noun
A simultaneous discharge of firearms or artillery, or a sudden, forceful outburst.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin for “safe” or “uninjured,” a reminder that even in war-language, words can flip from protection to destruction.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
salvus
“safe, unharmed, sound”
Late Latin
Late Latin
salva
“in the phrase salvo jure, “with rights preserved” or “safely””
Italian
Italian
salva
“a volley; a discharge of guns”
16th Century
English
salvo
“a discharge of artillery or firearms; a sudden release”
Modern English
English
salvo
“a simultaneous firing of weapons or a sudden, forceful outburst”
Explore more surprising origins