attack dog

American  

noun

1. a dog trained to attack on command, as for protection or to aid in the apprehension of criminals.

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Etymology

Origin of attack dog

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

attack dog

He can toggle between modes — attack dog in conservative media, measured moderate in mixed company — but the transitions are visible.

From Salon ● Jun. 17, 2026

While Blanche’s predecessors in the No. 2 spot kept lower profiles and managed the Justice Department’s day-to-day operations largely behind the scenes, he is often a vocal and visible attack dog.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 4, 2026

Mr Christie appeared to find his greatest success on the debate stage in his return to his faithful role as an attack dog focused squarely on Mr Trump.

From BBC ● Dec. 7, 2023

His reputation as a self-promoting attack dog in Ohio’s legislature preceded him.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 10, 2023

The vice president had a reputation for being President Nixon’s attack dog and skewering political opponents as “nattering nabobs of negativism,” “vicars of vacillation” and “pusillanimous pussyfooters.”

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 3, 2023