dive-bomb
Swoop down aggressively
To dive-bomb is to attack by plunging steeply from above, originally describing aircraft releasing bombs while in a steep dive toward the target.
The tactic trades altitude for accuracy.
Extended to any sudden swooping attack from above: A mockingbird dive-bombed the cat.
Figuratively, to dive-bomb is to descend rapidly on something: Stock prices dive-bombed after the earnings report.
Rapid downward plunge
- plungeSudden steep descent
- nosediveSudden steep descent
- descentDownward slope or lineage
- strafingAerial gunfire at ground
cockpit · fighter · pilot · aircraft · squadron · altitude · maneuver · dogfight
Forceful impact or stoppage
- raidSudden armed incursion
- assaultViolent offensive act
- blitzSwift, overwhelming offensive
- strafeshoot from above
onslaught · offensive · ambush · incursion · barrage · targeting · precision · surgical
swoop
Rapid downward plunge
strafing · cockpit · fighter · pilot · aircraft · squadron · altitude · maneuver · dogfight · wingman
strike
Forceful impact or stoppage
strafe · onslaught · offensive · ambush · incursion · barrage · targeting · precision · surgical · kamikaze
pelican
Pouch-throated waterbird
- gannetPlunge-diving marine bird
- kingfisherDiving bird, vivid plumage
- ospreyFish-catching bird of prey
falcon · hawk · tern · cormorant · swoop · prey · fishing · hunting · talons · beak
pounce
Sudden attack leap
rush · tackle · surprise · startle · ambush · playful · kids · pool · cannonball · splash
dive-bomblevel flight
Flight at constant altitude
climb · ascend · pull up · carpet bombing · soar
dive-bombsaturation bombing
Blanket aerial bombardment
carpet bombing · strategic bombing · retreat · withdraw · evade