Noun
an extensive and systematic bombing intended to devastate a large target
Source: WordNetAlthough area bombing theorists acknowledged that measures could be taken to defend against bombers – using fighter planes and anti-aircraft artillery - the maxim of the times remained " the bomber will always get through ". Source: Internet
The Allied governments usually described their bombing of cities with other euphemisms such as area bombing (RAF) or precision bombing (USAAF), and for most of World War II the Allied news media did the same. Source: Internet
Although bombing campaigns were still strategic in their aims, the widespread area bombing tactics of World War II had mostly disappeared. Source: Internet