Meaning & Definition of word "Kamikaze"

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    Kamikaze

    /ˌkɑːmɪˈkɑːzeɪ/

    noun:

    • 1. A suicide mission or attack, particularly in reference to Japanese pilots in World War II who flew aircraft loaded with explosives directly into enemy targets.
      • Example: The kamikaze pilots carried out their missions with the belief that they were sacrificing themselves for their country.
    • 2. A reckless or dangerous person who engages in actions without regard for their own safety.
      • Example: His kamikaze approach to motorcycling often left his friends worried about his safety.

    adjective:

    • 1. Describing a person or action that is reckless or self-destructive, akin to a kamikaze attack.
      • Example: Her kamikaze attitude towards life led her to take extreme risks without thinking of the consequences.

    Etymology

    Japanese, meaning 'divine wind', originally referring to a typhoon that destroyed an invading fleet.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    kamikaze mission:

    A mission that involves self-sacrifice or extreme risk.

    kamikaze strategy:

    A reckless approach in a competitive situation.

    Related Words

    divine wind:

    Refers to the historical events that protected Japan from invasion.

    suicide mission:

    An operation with a high likelihood of fatality.

    Slang Meanings of kamikaze

    Meaning: A wild or out-of-control person or behavior.

    Example Sentence: He was driving like a kamikaze on the highway.

    Meaning: A reckless and dangerous action.

    Example Sentence: Jumping off that cliff was a total kamikaze move.