Wiktionary
covering fire
n. (context military English) supporting fire, small arms fire directed at an enemy to prevent them firing elsewhere.
WordNet
covering fire
n. fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations; "artillery provided covering fire for the withdrawal" [syn: cover]
Usage examples of "covering fire".
Knowing the squad was providing covering fire gave him a degree of confidence walking into the lion's den.
She'd paused to lay down covering fire for her team, and the blast had nearly converted the company's top NCO to charcoal.