Abatis (Noun)
Meaning
A line of defense consisting of a barrier of felled or live trees with branches (sharpened or with barbed wire entwined) pointed toward the enemy.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The fort's outer perimeter was protected by a dense abatis that made it nearly impossible for the enemy to penetrate.
- The military engineers spent hours constructing a strong abatis to defend against the advancing army's infantry.
- In preparation for the battle, the soldiers built an abatis using local trees and barbed wire to deter the enemy's cavalry charges.
- The commander ordered the troops to create an impassable abatis around the strategic hill, which became a crucial defensive position.
- As the enemy approached, the defenders stood firm behind their abatis, which proved an effective barrier against the repeated attacks.