Kamikaze

/ˌkɑːmɪˈkɑːzeɪ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

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.

The kamikaze pilots carried out their missions with the belief that they were sacrificing themselves for their country.

A reckless or dangerous person who engages in actions without regard for their own safety.

His kamikaze approach to motorcycling often left his friends worried about his safety.

adjective

Describing a person or action that is reckless or self-destructive, akin to a kamikaze attack.

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

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

He was driving like a kamikaze on the highway.

A reckless and dangerous action.

Jumping off that cliff was a total kamikaze move.