Flak definitions

flăk
The fire of antiaircraft guns.
noun
18
0
Strong, clamorous criticism, opposition, etc.
noun
14
0
Flak is defined as the bursting shells shot at aircraft from enemy guns on the ground, or criticism or opposition.

An example of flak is the exploding ammunition that can damage a military plane when flying over enemy territory.

An example of flak is what a CEO gets when he makes a controversial statement to the media.

noun
6
0
Ground-based anti-aircraft guns firing explosive shells.
noun
1
0
Anti-aircraft shell fire.
noun
1
0
Antiaircraft artillery.
noun
0
0
The bursting shells fired from such artillery.
noun
0
0
Excessive or abusive criticism.
noun
0
0
Dissension; opposition.
noun
0
0
(figuratively, informal) Adverse criticism.
noun
0
0
(informal) A public-relations spokesperson.
noun
0
0

Origin of flak

German acronym of Fliegerabwehrkanone (“aeroplane defence cannon”). First attested 1938 as “antiaircraft gun”, 1940 as “antiaircraft fire”. Sense of “adverse criticism” attested since 1963 in American English.