Flak definition
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
Antiaircraft artillery.
noun
The bursting shells fired from such artillery.
noun
Excessive or abusive criticism.
noun
The fire of antiaircraft guns.
noun
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Dissension; opposition.
noun
(informal) Strong, clamorous criticism, opposition, etc.
noun
Anti-aircraft shell fire.
noun
(figuratively, informal) Adverse criticism.
noun
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(informal) A public-relations spokesperson.
noun
Origin of flak
- German from Fl(ieger)a(bwehr)k(anone) aircraft-defense gun
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- 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.
From Wiktionary