verb

attack

uh-TAK

verb

To use violent force against a person or place.

"The soldiers attacked the enemy position at dawn."

To criticize someone or something harshly in words.

"The senator attacked her opponent's record in the debate."

To begin dealing with a task or problem with energy and determination.

"Let's attack this pile of paperwork before lunch."

noun

A violent or aggressive act intended to harm.

"The city was placed on alert after the attack."

A sudden episode of illness or pain.

"He suffered a mild heart attack last spring."

How to Use Attack

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo act aggressively against someone or something — with force, words, or sheer effort.

Common pairings

launch an attack attack a problem under attack panic attack

Word Forms

attacked past tense, attackt past tense, attackted past tense, attack plural, attacked plural, attacks singular, attack singular, attacked singular, attackest singular, attackedst singular, attacketh singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The soldiers _____ the enemy position at dawn.

Etymology

From French attaquer, ultimately from Italian attaccare ("to join, engage"), sharing a root with "attach."

Synonyms

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abuse aggress assail assault beat beleaguer beset bepommel besiege bombard charge come down on

Antonyms

defend

Related Words

abandon rape abuse accusation fall jump bombard retreat

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