I. noun
also flack ˈflak
( plural flak )
Etymology: German flak, from fl ieger a bwehr k anone antiaircraft gun, from fliegerabwehr defense against air attack (from flieger aviator — from fliegen to fly, from Old High German fliogan — + abwehr defense, from abwehren to ward off, from ab off, away — from Old High German aba — + wehren to restrain, forbid, from Old High German werren to defend) + kanone cannon, from Italian cannone — more at fly , of , weir , cannon
1. : antiaircraft guns
flak battery
flak ship
2. : the bursting shells fired from flak
despite heavy flak damage made a safe landing
II. noun
1. : abusive criticism
I've taken flak from newsmen who think I've sold out — Chet Huntley
2. : heated discussion : opposition
this modest proposal ran into flak — Charles MacDonald
3. : flack III