attack
attack
Pronunciation
attack: /əˈtæk/
a- /ə/ (schwa sound)
-tack /tæk/ (initial "t" sound, short "a" sound, "ck" sound)
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: attack
Plural Noun: attacks
Verb (base form): attack
Verb (third-person singular present): attacks
Verb (present participle): attacking
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A sudden, aggressive act or an instance of forceful engagement, often with the intent to cause harm, defeat, or gain control.
Synonyms: assault, raid, charge, onslaught, offensive
Antonyms: defense, resistance, retreat, surrender, protection
A sudden onset of an illness, disease, or an unpleasant feeling.
Synonyms: fit, seizure, spell, bout, episode
Antonyms: recovery, remission, relief, wellness, cure
A strong verbal or written criticism or denunciation.
Synonyms: criticism, denunciation, condemnation, censure, tirade
Antonyms: praise, commendation, approval, endorsement, compliment
Verb
To launch a sudden and aggressive action against someone or something, with the intent to cause harm, defeat, or gain control.
Synonyms: assault, raid, charge, aggress, strike
Antonyms: defend, resist, retreat, surrender, protect
To begin to affect someone or something, often in a harmful or detrimental way (referring to illness, corrosion, etc.).
Synonyms: affect, afflict, assail, corrupt, erode
Antonyms: abate, alleviate, mitigate, heal, fortify
To criticize someone or something strongly, either verbally or in writing.
Synonyms: criticize, denounce, condemn, censure, lambaste
Antonyms: praise, commend, approve, endorse, laud
Examples of Use
Books:
"He remembered the fear that gripped him during the dragon's attack on the village, a primal terror that still resonated within him." (From a fantasy novel)
"In On War, Clausewitz discusses the strategic principles behind a successful military attack, emphasizing the importance of concentration of force."
Newspapers:
"The local police department reported an increase in cyber attacks targeting small businesses last month." (The Daily Herald)
"Emergency services responded swiftly to a reported heart attack at the community center this morning." (City Gazette)
Online Publications:
"Experts warn of a potential phishing attack aimed at banking customers, urging vigilance with suspicious emails." (TechCrunch)
"Commentators online launched a fierce attack on the new policy, citing concerns about its impact on privacy." (Mashable)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "The climax of the film features a thrilling attack on the villain's hidden fortress." (Describing a scene from a recent action movie)
Video Game: "Players must coordinate their efforts to defend the base from the enemy attack in the final mission." (Referring to gameplay in a popular strategy game)
Music: "The song opens with a powerful guitar attack, immediately grabbing the listener's attention." (Review of a rock album)
Television Series: "In the latest episode, the detective works to uncover the motive behind the sudden attack on the victim." (Plot summary of a crime drama)
General Public Discourse:
"I heard my neighbor had a really bad asthma attack last night, they had to go to the emergency room."
"The politician's speech was a direct attack on his opponent's character, rather than focusing on policy."
"We need a stronger defense system to ward off any potential attack from hostile forces."
"The dog didn't mean to attack; it was just startled by the sudden noise."
10 Quotes Using Attack
"Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
"Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack." (Sun Tzu)
"I always cheer up immensely if an attack is particularly wounding because I think, well, if they attack one personally, it means they have not a single political argument left." (Margaret Thatcher)
"My center is giving way, my right is in retreat; situation excellent. I shall attack." (Ferdinand Foch)
"Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others." (Niccolò Machiavelli)
"Nobody ever defended anything successfully, there is only attack and attack and attack some more." (George S. Patton)
"In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins." (Ulysses S. Grant)
"I attack ideas. I don't attack people." (Antonin Scalia)
"Education is a crutch with which the foolish attack the wise to prove that they are not idiots." (Karl Kraus)
"If you choose to do something, attack it." (David Goggins)
Etymology
The word "attack" comes from an old French word, "ataquer," which meant "to attack" or "to set upon." This French word itself likely came from an even older Frankish word, a Germanic language, stakon, meaning "to stake" or "to post."
The idea here is like setting stakes or posts around something, which then evolved into the sense of "fixing" or "fastening upon." From there, it developed the meaning of physically "setting upon" an enemy or an opponent.
The first known use of "attack" in English was in the late 16th century, specifically around the 1580s. At that time, its primary meaning was to launch a hostile or aggressive assault, often in a military context. So, its core meaning of "a forceful offensive action" has been pretty consistent since it first appeared in English.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Attack
Attack dog: Someone who is fiercely loyal and aggressive in defending or promoting a person or cause, often in a confrontational way.
Attack a problem: To begin to deal with a problem or task with determination and vigor.
Heart attack: A sudden and severe medical emergency where blood flow to the heart is blocked.
Panic attack: A sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause.
Attack from all sides: To be criticized or assailed by many different people or groups simultaneously.
Go on the attack: To start to aggressively criticize, challenge, or confront someone or something.
Launch an attack: To initiate a forceful assault, often in a military or competitive context.
Pre-emptive attack: An attack launched in anticipation of an enemy's planned attack.
Sustained attack: A prolonged or continuous series of assaults or criticisms.
Verbal attack: A strong and aggressive criticism delivered through words.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of attack from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
