attack
to set upon in a forceful, violent, hostile, or aggressive way, with or without a weapon; begin fighting with: He attacked him with his bare hands.
to begin hostilities against; start an offensive against: to attack the enemy.
to blame or abuse violently or bitterly.
to direct unfavorable criticism against; criticize severely; argue with strongly: He attacked his opponent's statement.
to try to destroy, especially with verbal abuse: to attack the mayor's reputation.
to set about (a task) or go to work on (a thing) vigorously: to attack housecleaning;to attack the hamburger hungrily.
(of disease, destructive agencies, etc.) to begin to affect.
to make an attack; begin hostilities.
the act of attacking; onslaught; assault.
a military offensive against an enemy or enemy position.
Pathology. seizure by disease or illness: an attack of indigestion.
the beginning or initiating of any action; onset.
an aggressive move in a performance or contest.
the approach or manner of approach in beginning a musical phrase.
Origin of attack
1synonym study For attack
Other words for attack
Opposites for attack
Other words from attack
- at·tack·a·ble, adjective
- at·tack·er, noun
- non·at·tack·ing, adjective
- post·at·tack, adjective
- pro·at·tack, adjective
- re·at·tack, verb
- un·at·tack·a·ble, adjective
- un·at·tacked, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use attack in a sentence
Several Muslim sites in France, including mosques have been attacked or vandalized since the Charlie Hebdo massacre.
I have two kids and the last thing we want is to see our kids being attacked in their own homes.
Protesters Demand Justice For Gurley As Gap Grows Between Cops and NYC | M.L. Nestel | December 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThose snakes attacked unwitting passers-by, or invaded homes and hotels.
The Buddhist Business of Poaching Animals for Good Karma | Brendon Hong | December 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe same night the “dead cops” chant was recorded, two police officers were attacked on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Certainly, this response would be understandable and even justified if de Blasio had in fact attacked the police.
The NY Police Union’s Vile War with Mayor De Blasio | Michael Tomasky | December 21, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
They soon retired, however, as the Fort was in danger of being attacked from another side.
The Philippine Islands | John ForemanGeneral Houston had attacked them with three hundred of our people, but had not been able to break their ranks.
The Dutch fleet attacked Burnt island, in Scotland, but were repulsed.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology | Joel MunsellThereupon the governor attacked him alone, and giving a violent push on the door, opened it.
Washington attacked a French encampment at the confluence of the Alleghany and Monongahela.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology | Joel Munsell
British Dictionary definitions for attack
/ (əˈtæk) /
to launch a physical assault (against) with or without weapons; begin hostilities (with)
(intr) to take the initiative in a game, sport, etc: after a few minutes, the team began to attack
(tr) to direct hostile words or writings at; criticize or abuse vehemently
(tr) to turn one's mind or energies vigorously to (a job, problem, etc)
(tr) to begin to injure or affect adversely; corrode, corrupt, or infect: rust attacked the metal
(tr) to attempt to rape
the act or an instance of attacking
strong criticism or abuse: an unjustified attack on someone's reputation
an offensive move in a game, sport, etc
commencement of a task, etc
any sudden and usually severe manifestation of a disease or disorder: a heart attack; an attack of indigestion
the attack ball games the players in a team whose main role is to attack the opponents' goal or territory
music decisiveness in beginning a passage, movement, or piece
music the speed with which a note reaches its maximum volume
an attempted rape
Origin of attack
1Derived forms of attack
- attackable, adjective
- attacker, noun
- attacking, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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