Vocabulary word Sortie - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Adversity and Obstacle

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Ambition and Drive

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Chasms and Carnage

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Conflict and Conquest

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Conflict and Disagreement

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Development and Refinement

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Discovery and Exploration

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Effort and Exertion

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Problems and Conundrums

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Tactical Maneuvers and Control

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Dictionary Definition of sortie

A mission or operation that involves a temporary departure from a defensive position, typically in order to engage in an attack or reconnaissance.
"The fighter pilots completed several sorties over enemy territory."

Detailed Meaning of Sortie

The term is most commonly associated with air operations, where it refers to the sortie rate, or the number of aircraft sorties that can be flown in a given period of time. In ground warfare, a sortie refers to a mission of a small unit, such as a platoon or company, that departs from a larger formation to conduct a specific action, such as reconnaissance, an attack on an enemy position, or a raid. A sortie is usually a one-time or short-term operation, after which the unit returns to its starting position. It can also refer to the act of a ship or aircraft leaving and returning to a base or port, usually for the purpose of carrying out a mission.

Example Sentences for Sortie

1. The fighter jets executed a daring sortie deep into enemy territory.
2. The nighttime sortie was crucial for gathering intelligence.
3. Troops prepared for a covert sortie behind enemy lines.
4. The submarine's sortie went unnoticed by the enemy fleet.
5. The commando unit conducted a surprise sortie.
6. The cavalry embarked on a reconnaissance sortie.

Origin and Etymology of Sortie

The noun 'sortie' has its origins in French and is derived from the Old French word 'sortir,' meaning 'to go out' or 'to exit.' In military contexts, a 'sortie' refers to a mission or operation that involves a temporary departure from a defensive position, typically with the intention of engaging in an attack, reconnaissance, or other strategic activities. During a siege or defensive situation, troops within a fortress or fortified position might undertake sorties to disrupt enemy lines, gather information, or launch surprise attacks. The term 'sortie' emphasizes the departure from a fortified position and the temporary nature of the mission, as troops venture out and then return to their defensive position. The etymology of 'sortie' underscores its historical connection to the concept of going out from a secure location for military purposes, highlighting its role in tactical operations and engagements.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun sortie:

attack

defense

hold

stay

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More Usage Examples of Sortie

1. The special forces team completed a successful sortie.
2. Aerial sorties pounded the enemy's positions.
3. The stealthy sortie caught the enemy off guard.
4. The paratroopers executed a high-altitude sortie.
5. The naval fleet launched a preemptive sortie.
6. The reconnaissance sortie provided vital information.
7. The armored division led a powerful sortie.
8. The infantry unit prepared for a night sortie.
9. The bomber squadron's sortie caused significant damage.
10. The helicopter sortie rescued stranded civilians.
11. The elite unit embarked on a dangerous sortie.
12. The artillery barrage preceded the ground sortie.
13. The fighter pilot's sortie destroyed enemy targets.
14. The night-vision sortie was a tactical success.
15. The tank division led a frontal sortie.
16. The guerrilla fighters conducted a hit-and-run sortie.
17. The nighttime sortie concealed their approach.
18. The air force sortie was part of a coordinated offensive.
19. The cavalry's sortie disrupted the enemy's supply lines.