Attack (Verb)
Meaning 1
Launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with; "Hitler attacked Poland on September 1, 1939 and started World War II"; "Serbian forces assailed Bosnian towns all week".
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.
Examples
- The German troops attacked the Allied forces on the morning of June 6, 1944, during the Normandy invasion.
- NATO forces attacked Serbian positions in response to human rights abuses in Kosovo.
- The enemy launched a surprise attack on the camp in the dead of night.
- Rebel forces attacked government buildings in an effort to overthrow the regime.
- The Israeli army attacked Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon in response to rocket attacks.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Set to work upon; turn one's energies vigorously to a task; "I attacked the problem as soon as I got out of bed".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- She attacked the pile of paperwork on her desk with determination and focus.
- The research team attacked the project with enthusiasm and dedication.
- The artist attacked the canvas with bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors.
- The students attacked their homework with renewed energy after the break.
- The entrepreneur attacked the new business plan with creativity and innovation.
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Attack someone physically or emotionally; "The mugger assaulted the woman"; "Nightmares assailed him regularly".
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.
Examples
- The furious driver stepped out of his car and began to attack the other motorist who had cut him off.
- The group of teenagers continued to attack the new student verbally, making fun of her clothes and hair.
- Her siblings would often attack her emotional well-being with their constant teasing and bullying.
- A band of local gang members chose to attack a vulnerable store owner and steal his merchandise.
- Years of bitter rivalry between the two politicians led them to attack each other on live television during the debate.
Synonyms
Hyponyms
- Savage
- Bait
- Rape
- Dishonor
- Dishonour
- Jump
- Molest
- Profane
- Rush
- Violate
- Bulldog
- Outrage
- Ravish
- Desecrate
- Set Upon
- Set
- Beset
- Reassail
- Blindside
- Sic
Related Words
Meaning 4
Begin to injure; "The cancer cells are attacking his liver"; "Rust is attacking the metal".
Classification
Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care.
Examples
- Termites are attacking the wooden beam in the basement.
- Rust is attacking the metal car frame and weakening its structure.
- Corrosion is attacking the pipes under the city streets.
- Mold is attacking the drywall in the damp basement.
- Acid rain is attacking the limestone statues in the park.
Related Words
Meaning 5
Attack in speech or writing; "The editors of the left-leaning paper attacked the new House Speaker".
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- The politician's opponent attacked her record on education during the debate.
- In her column, the journalist launched a scathing attack on corporate greed and its impact on society.
- The senator attacked the opposing party's stance on climate change, calling it outdated.
- The public speaker was prepared to attack the arguments presented by her detractors.
- The newspaper editorial attacked the government's handling of the economic crisis.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Related Words
Meaning 6
Take the initiative and go on the offensive; "The Serbs attacked the village at night"; "The visiting team started to attack".
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.
Examples
- The firefighters attacked the blaze from multiple angles to contain its spread.
- She attacked the problem with fresh eyes and a newfound sense of determination.
- The company decided to attack the market with a bold new advertising campaign.
- During the debate, he attacked his opponent's record on foreign policy.
- After a series of setbacks, the team finally began to attack, taking possession of the ball.