attack
verb (used with object)
to set upon in a forceful, violent, hostile, or aggressive way, with or without a weapon; begin fighting with.
had been attacking
-
past perfect progressiveof attack.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC News that his office sent out the statement because people had been "attacking the innocent".
From BBC ● Feb. 17, 2026
Before McDonald’s departure was announced, Wilson had been attacking Lululemon publicly for killing innovation and losing what made the brand “cool” in the first place.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 18, 2025
The website that had offered tickets to the Naples event has been taken down, a move Mr. Keltner attributed in part to bots that he said had been attacking the site “nonstop.”
From New York Times ● Mar. 3, 2022
Able to play anywhere up front, the team’s defensive captain had been attacking centers and guards with his nose-tackle play this season.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 3, 2021
Ogp's khalasai had been attacking the town when Khal Drogo caught him.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
