Meaning & Definition of word "Kamikaze"

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.