Definition and meaning of English word "attack"
attack
/əˈtæk/
Meaning
VerbTo apply violent force to someone or something.
How to use
The verb 'attack' is often used in formal and informal contexts to describe a physical or verbal assault. A common grammatical nuance is that 'attack' can be used transitively or intransitively, but learners should be cautious not to confuse it with 'to assail', which typically implies a more intense or prolonged assault. For instance, 'The protesters attacked the government building' (transitive) versus 'The protesters attacked' (intransitive).
🇬🇧 English
attack
Example
The dog attacked the mailman.
The army will attack the enemy's position.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- launch an attack— to start an attack
- come under attack— to be attacked or criticized
- attack someone's character— to criticize or accuse someone of something
More Extended Verbs words
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #709 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "attack" mean?▼
The English word "attack" means "attack" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "attack"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "attack" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "attack"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "The dog attacked the mailman." (which translates as "attack").
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