Definition

A position where you're protected from enemy fire by terrain or structures, essentially nature's bulletproof vest. It's the difference between being a smart soldier and being a statistic.

Example Usage

The squad moved into defilade behind the ridge line before calling in their position to command.

Origin

From French 'défiler' meaning 'to protect from enfilade fire,' adopted into English military terminology in the 18th century

Fun Fact

The opposite of defilade is 'enfilade,' where you're exposed to gunfire along the length of a formation—basically the worst place to be on a battlefield.

Source: Classical military tactics terminology

Related Terms

Intermediate

gun bunny

Affectionate or mocking term for artillery personnel, particularly those who serve on howitzer crews. They make things explode from far away and have the hearing loss to prove it.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Beginner

escort

In military and security contexts, armed personnel or vehicles accompanying someone important to keep them safe from threats. In civilian use, it's expanded to mean any accompanying person or vehicle, though the internet has thoroughly corrupted the term. The protective detail that ensures VIPs arrive safely, whether they're diplomats, convoys, or high-value assets.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Intermediate

knuckle dragger

Affectionate (or not-so-affectionate) term for ground combat troops, particularly infantry or armor soldiers, as viewed by more technical military occupational specialties. Implies they're less evolved, ape-like.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Beginner

Choke Point

A narrow passage or restricted terrain that forces enemy movement into a predictable path, ideal for ambushes and defensive positions. Geography's gift to the outnumbered defender who understands that funnels work for more than liquids.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Intermediate

PACE plan

Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency communication plan ensuring multiple redundant methods to maintain contact. Because Murphy's Law applies especially to radios when you desperately need them.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Beginner

grid square

A designated area on a military map defined by coordinate lines, typically 1,000 meters by 1,000 meters. Also a legendary fictitious item that new soldiers are sent to retrieve, alongside chem-light batteries and keys to the drop zone.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Translate This Term

See “defilade” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on XShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Intermediate

conversion optimization

The systematic process of increasing the percentage of visitors who complete desired actions, typically through endless ...