WordGarden.ioattack
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ətˈæk/
US
- /əˈtæk/
Meanings
Verb
to use violence or hostile force against someone or something
to criticize or challenge someone or something aggressively
Noun
an act of violent or hostile action against a target
a forceful criticism or hostile challenge
a sudden episode of illness, severe symptoms, or overwhelming distress
More meaningsFewer meanings
the offensive effort, players, or style of play of a team trying to score
Beyond the definition
An attack isn't always about physical violence. Think of a lion pouncing on its prey — that's an attack. You can also attack a problem with determination, or attack someone's argument with strong counterpoints. It means to press hard and forcefully, whether physically or verbally.
A sudden illness or a panic episode can attack you too, disrupting your body or mind. Sometimes attacks are planned — like a military attack on a city — but other times they strike without warning.
The word can be used as a verb (to perform the action) or a noun (the act itself): "The knight launched an attack against the dragon," and "The attack was swift and brutal." It suggests force, intention, and often harm.
To attack means to move toward someone or something with an aggressive, harmful intent. In its most literal form, it is physical: a sudden rush to damage or overwhelm. Think of a predator attacking its prey, or an army attacking a fortress. "The bear attacked the hiker," or "The enemy launched a surprise attack."
The meaning also extends to non-physical contexts. You can attack a problem by tackling it head-on, like: "She attacked the mountain of paperwork with energy." You can attack an idea or argument, which means to challenge or criticize it forcefully: "He attacked her claims with evidence."
Attack can also describe events that overwhelm a person, such as illness, emotions, or anxiety. "The virus attacked his immune system." "She suffered a sudden anxiety attack." Here, something is coming at your body or mind with intense force.
It works as both a verb and a noun. "They attacked the intruders at dawn," versus "The attack was swift and coordinated." The noun often refers to an offensive action or event.
So whether it is a physical confrontation, an intellectual challenge, or a sudden health or emotional crisis, to attack usually implies forceful initiation with intensity and often hostility.
Examples
- 1
Animal attack
The dog attacked a runner on the beach.
- 2
Military action
The army attacked the bridge at dawn.
- 3
Travel disruption
The attack on the airport caused major delays.
- 4
Political criticism
The senator attacked the plan as too expensive.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Online criticism
She was attacked online for her comments.
- Patternattack someone for + reason
criticize them strongly because of it
- 6
Public criticism
The judge came under attack after the decision.
- Phrasecome under attack
start receiving strong criticism
- 7
Problem solving
Let's attack the problem one step at a time.
- Patternattack a problem
deal with it directly and with energy
- 8
Personal reaction
He felt attacked when I questioned his decision.
- Phrasefeel attacked
feel that someone is treating you in a hostile way
- 9
Anxiety
She had a panic attack just before the exam.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- attacknounverb
Forms
- attackspluralnounverb
- attackedpast tenseverbnoun
- attacking-ing formverbnoun