The German origins of the word 'strafe'

'Strafe' is a word borrowed from German 'strafe'. The word entered the English language some time around 1915.

strafe [verb] [1915]

To rake (as ground troops) with fire at close range and especially with machine-gun fire from low-flying aircraft

See 'strafe' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from German.

Etymology: German 'Gott strafe England' may God punish England, German propaganda slogan during World War I

See more loan words from 1910s.