ambush

[am-boosh]

noun

1. an act or instance of lying concealed so as to attack by surprise.

   The highwaymen waited in ambush near the road.

2. an act or instance of attacking unexpectedly from a concealed position.

3. the concealed position itself.

   They fired from ambush.

4. those who attack suddenly and unexpectedly from a concealed position.

verb (used with object)

1. to attack from ambush.

ambush

/ ˈæmbʊʃ /

noun

1. the act of waiting in a concealed position in order to launch a surprise attack

2. a surprise attack from such a position

3. the concealed position from which such an attack is launched

4. the person or persons waiting to launch such an attack

verb

1. to lie in wait (for)

2. (tr) to attack suddenly from a concealed position

Other Word Forms

• ambusher noun
• ambushlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ambush¹

1250–1300; (v.) Middle English enbuss ( h ) en < Middle French embuschier to place men in ambush, literally, to set in the woods, equivalent to em- im- ¹ + busch- (< Vulgar Latin *busca wood, forest < Germanic *busk- heavy stick) + -ier infinitive suffix; (noun) earlier enbusshe < Middle French embusche, derivative of the v.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ambush¹

C14: from Old French embuschier to position in ambush, from em- _im- + -buschier, from busche piece of firewood, probably of Germanic origin; see _bush ¹

Example Sentences

“We are all afraid,” he said, visibly shaken a day after the ambush.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Jurors in Plumb's trial at Chelmsford Crown Court heard his "ultimate fantasy" was to ambush Ms Willoughby at her home and bring sexualised violence against her at a "dungeon"-type room.

Read more on BBC

However, Mr Nathaniel said Israeli soldiers were on-site prior to the attack and had "lured" him and others into an "ambush".

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"People are hungry. The last scheduled food convoy was ambushed, worsening the situation for an already exhausted population," said one resident.

Read more on Barron's

A police sergeant who jumped to the aid of a colleague who was ambushed by a knifeman has been awarded the King's Commendation for Bravery.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• assault 
• surround 
• trap 
• waylay