Attack — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Attack
Attack (verb)
- to set upon or work against forcefully
- to assail with unfriendly or bitter words
- to begin to affect or to act on injuriously
Attack (noun)
- the act of attacking with physical force or unfriendly words, assault
- a belligerent or antagonistic action
- a fit of sickness; especially, an active episode of a chronic or recurrent disease
Attack (adjective)
- designed, planned, or used for carrying out a military attack
- expressing or involving aggressively negative and harsh criticism of someone (such as a political opponent)
Attack (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
"The USS Constitution was nicknamed Old Ironsides after its oaken hull successfully withstood a British attack"
-
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder
"malaria is characterized by periodic attacks of chills and fever"
Attack (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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to take sudden, violent action against
"our dog unexpectedly attacked the mailman, sinking his teeth into the startled man's leg"
-
to criticize harshly and usually publicly
"the mayor and all his aides were attacked mercilessly in the press when the scandal erupted"
-
to start work on energetically
"Courtney attacked the huge mess in her room with determination and enthusiasm"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Attack
The most common words with a similar meaning to Attack:
Near Antonyms of Attack
Word Forms of Attack
Inflections: attacked, attacking, attacks
Derived words: attacker (noun)
Origin & Etymology of Attack
Middle French attaquer, from Old Italian *estaccare to attach, from stacca stake, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English staca
First known use: circa 1576t
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Attack
- CEFR level: A2 English Vocabulary — Page 1
- Topics: Conflict & Opposition
Words & Phrases Containing Attack
Frequently Asked Questions about Attack
What does "Attack" mean?
"Attack" means to set upon or work against forcefully. As an a verb, a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: to set upon or work against forcefully. It has 5 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Attack"?
Other words for "Attack" include aggression, assault, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main and descent. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Attack" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Attack"?
There are 177 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Attack". Common alternatives include aggression, assault, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main, descent, offense and offensive.
How do you use "Attack" in a sentence?
Examples of "Attack" in a sentence: "The USS Constitution was nicknamed Old Ironsides after its oaken hull successfully withstood a British attack"; "malaria is characterized by periodic attacks of chills and fever"; "our dog unexpectedly attacked the mailman, sinking his teeth into the startled man's leg".
Is "Attack" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Attack" can be used as a verb, a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.
Is "Attack" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As an A2-level word, "Attack" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.
How do you pronounce "Attack"?
"Attack" is pronounced /ə-ˈtak/ and divided into syllables as at·tack.
What is the origin of the word "Attack"?
"Attack" comes from Middle French attaquer, from Old Italian *estaccare to attach, from stacca stake, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English staca. First known use: circa 1576t.