Sortie
Noun / Verb | /ˈsɔːrti/ or /ˈsɔːr.teɪ/
[military]
Definition
As a noun:
- A deliberate and often brief offensive maneuver in which troops, aircraft, or naval units emerge from a defensive or fortified position to engage the enemy.
- A single operational mission carried out by a military aircraft, spacecraft, or other tactical unit.
- (By extension) A purposeful venture into unfamiliar or challenging territory, whether literal, professional, or creative.
- (Figurative) A bold foray into a new field or activity, often experimental, strategic, or short-lived in nature.
- (Rare / photography) A coordinated series of aerial photographs or a session of intentional, directed image capture.
As a verb:
To launch from a position of defense in order to conduct an attack or carry out a mission; to emerge suddenly with strategic intent.
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Etymology
From French sortie (“a going out”), derived from sortir (“to go out”), which comes from Latin sortīrī (“to draw lots; to be assigned by fate or chance”). The evolution of the term reflects the element of risk and purpose involved in leaving a secured position.
Usage
“The squadron will sortie at dawn, coordinating both aerial and mechanized support across the ridge.”
“She made a late-night sortie into the archives, chasing a half-formed theory that wouldn’t let her sleep.”
Pop Culture Reference
The word sortie appears in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Episode 9: “Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!” during a briefing scene where the characters prepare for a mission. The subtitle reads: “Squadron 3 will sortie as scheduled.”
In this usage, sortie functions as a verb, forming part of a future tense construction (“will sortie”) that refers to the act of launching or departing for an operation.
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Screenshot from Neon Genesis Evangelion, Episode 9 — subtitle: “Squadron 3 will sortie as scheduled.”
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