One definition is a Japanese pilot trained in World War II to make a suicidal crash attack, especially upon a ship.
However, the other
definition is Japanese history means "godly wind" or "wind sent from the gods", as "kami" means "god" and "kaze" means "wind" or "breeze".
From
October 25, 1944, to January 25, 1945, Kamikazes managed to sink two escort carriers and three destroyers. They also damaged 23 carriers, five battleships,
nine cruisers, 23 destroyers and
27 other ships. American casualties amounted to 738 killed and another 1,
300 wounded as the result of those attacks.
...when suddenly, a strong and ferocious wind struck the enemy ships. The Japanese were grateful and took the protective typhoon as help from the gods, thus naming it "kamikaze", or "godly wind".
( I borrowed this from a history book I read. )