kamikaze
/ˌkɑː.mɪˈkɑː.ziː/
NOUN
1. A suicide attack, especially by an aircraft
An attack in which the person carrying it out deliberately sacrifices their own life, especially by crashing an aircraft into a target.
1.1. Military suicide attacks
A deliberate military attack in which the attacker expects to die while striking an enemy target.
Synonyms
- suicide attack
- suicide mission
- suicidal attack
Examples
- The historical account described the kamikaze as a desperate wartime military tactic.
Related Words
- assault
- airstrike
- military operation
- self-sacrifice
NOUN
2. A person who carries out a suicide attack
A person who deliberately sacrifices their own life while carrying out an attack, particularly by crashing an aircraft into a target.
2.1. Suicide attack pilots
A pilot or attacker who carries out a deliberate attack knowing that the mission will likely result in their death.
Synonyms
- suicide pilot
- suicide attacker
Examples
- The documentary examined the experiences of Japanese kamikaze pilots during World War II.
Related Words
- pilot
- attacker
- fighter
- combatant
2.2. Extreme risk-takers
A person who takes excessive or seemingly reckless risks, particularly in sports or other dangerous activities.
Synonyms
- daredevil
- risk-taker
- adventurer
Antonyms
- cautious person
- careful person
Examples
- The kamikaze on the racing team attempted dangerous maneuvers that left spectators stunned.
Related Words
- recklessness
- daring
- adventure
- foolhardiness
ADJECTIVE
3. Suicidal or recklessly dangerous
Involving extreme or reckless risks, especially risks that could result in the person's own destruction.
3.1. Reckless and foolhardy behavior
Describing actions or decisions that show little concern for personal safety or the consequences of taking extreme risks.
Synonyms
- reckless
- foolhardy
- rash
- heedless
- incautious
- impetuous
- daredevil
- audacious
- irresponsible
- venturesome
Antonyms
- careful
- cautious
- circumspect
- heedful
- responsible
- timid
Examples
- The driver made a kamikaze attempt to overtake several cars on a narrow road.
Related Words
- daring
- bold
- audacious
- risk-taking
- thoughtless
3.2. Self-destructive actions or strategies
Describing an action or strategy that deliberately exposes someone to potentially fatal or disastrous consequences.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The team rejected the kamikaze strategy because it placed everyone involved in unnecessary danger.