attack
attack Lexical Profile
attack Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An aggressive and forceful action intended to cause harm, damage, or defeat to a person, place, or system.
"The company strengthened its network security to prevent a potential cyber attack."
A strong, severe expression of criticism or hostility directed against a person, policy, or idea.
"The editorial was seen as a direct attack on the mayor's new housing policy."
A sudden, acute onset or bout of an illness, medical condition, or intense emotion.
"Pollen in the spring air triggered a sudden attack of hay fever."
An offensive play, movement, or group of players in a team sport attempting to score points or goals.
"The soccer team reorganized its attack in the second half to equalize the score."
• verb
To take aggressive, forceful action against a person, place, or target in order to cause harm or overcome resistance.
"Mother birds will often attack any intruder that comes too close to their nest."
To criticize, oppose, or challenge a person, idea, or institution fiercely in speech or writing.
"Several scholars attacked the methodology used in the controversial study."
To begin to deal with a problem, task, or challenge with vigor and determination.
"The committee decided to attack the budget deficit by cutting unnecessary administrative costs."
To act harmfully or destructively upon something (especially of a disease, chemical, or pest).
"Rust and moisture will quickly attack unprotected iron surfaces."
• Rhymes for attack
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed around 1600 from French attaquer, from Old Italian attaccare ('to fasten, join'), notably in the phrase attaccare battaglia ('to join battle'), sharing an ultimate Germanic root with English 'attach' and 'tack'.