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attack

verb

/əˈtæk/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of attack

To initiate a hostile or aggressive action towards someone or something.
"The hackers attempted to attack the company's computer network."

Detailed meaning of attack

It involves launching an offensive or forceful assault with the intention of causing harm, damage, or disruption. When someone or something is attacked, they become the target of an aggressive act or behavior, often driven by hostility, anger, or the desire to overpower or weaken the opposing party. The act of attacking can take various forms, including physical aggression, verbal assault, or launching a campaign against someone's reputation or beliefs. It can also encompass actions such as launching an offensive military operation, launching a cyber-attack, or engaging in a heated argument. The verb "attack" implies a deliberate and forceful action directed towards a specific target with the intention of causing harm, exerting control, or achieving a specific objective.

Example sentences containing attack

1. The army prepared to attack the enemy's stronghold.
2. The dog lunged forward, ready to attack the intruder.
3. The politician launched a scathing attack on his opponent's credibility.
4. The wild animal retreated after the failed attempt to attack its prey.
5. He couldn't believe his friend would attack him with hurtful words.
6. The boxer swiftly dodged the opponent's attack and countered with a powerful punch.

History and etymology of attack

The verb 'attack' has its origins in the Old French word 'ataquer,' which, in turn, can be traced back to the Frankish word 'stakon,' meaning 'to place at.' The Old French 'ataquer' carried the sense of making an aggressive move or launching an offensive action. Over time, this term evolved into the Middle English word 'ataken,' maintaining its connotation of hostile actions. The modern English form, 'attack,' has retained its aggressive meaning, signifying the initiation of hostile or aggressive actions towards someone or something. The etymology of 'attack' underscores the forceful and confrontational nature associated with this word.

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Further usage examples of attack

1. The media outlets criticized the celebrity's latest controversial tweet, prompting an online attack.
2. The swarm of bees threatened to attack anyone who got too close to their hive.
3. The protestors voiced their grievances and demanded justice, accusing the government of attacking their rights.
4. The virus-infected computer systems were under attack from multiple sources.
5. The soccer team launched a relentless attack on the opponent's defense, scoring multiple goals.
6. The army prepared to attack the enemy's stronghold.
7. The news anchor reported a shark attack at the beach.
8. Vandals tried to attack the historic monument.
9. The hacker attempted to attack the company's database.
10. The protesters decided to peacefully attack the issue.
11. The dog didn't hesitate to attack the intruder.
12. She felt a sudden urge to attack her opponent in the game.
13. The swarm of bees began to attack the hiker.
14. The boxer used a powerful left hook to attack his opponent.
15. The virus can attack the computer's operating system.
16. The wolves coordinated to attack their prey.
17. The politician used negative ads to attack the opponent.
18. The storm began to attack the coastal town.
19. The detective needed to attack the case from a different angle.
20. The wildfire continued to attack the forest.
21. The disease can attack the immune system.
22. The football team planned to attack the opponent's defense.
23. The venomous snake could attack when provoked.
24. He decided to attack the issue head-on in his speech.
25. The criminal attempted to attack the security guard.