Reading Theme:
Attack: Definition, Usage & Key Examples Explained (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：assault (attack)
attack
/əˈtæk/
n./v.
To try to hurt someone or something, often in a fight or war.
assault
➕
/əˈsɔːlt/
n./v.
To use physical force or weapons in an attempt to harm, defeat, or destroy a target, commonly in a military or combative context.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French *ataquer*, likely from a Vulgar Latin *attaccare*, meaning 'to attach or join'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'ATTACK' as 'AT + TACK'. You tack (nail) your efforts AT the enemy.
📖 Example
In the strategy game, you must attack the enemy's castle before they can build more defenses.
In the strategy game, you must assault the enemy's castle before they can build more defenses.
🔗 Collocations
launch an attack – to initiate a military offensive or aggressive action
under attack – being assaulted or aggressively targeted
attack strategy – a plan designed for offensive operations
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
attacker (n.) – A person or force that carries out an attack.
attackable (adj.) – Vulnerable or open to being attacked.
📖 Cultural Story
Evolving from a neutral sense of 'attachment', 'attack' in English gained its aggressive military sense by the 16th century. The term is central in modern strategic fields like cybersecurity ('cyber attack') and sports commentary, describing aggressive plays.
Meaning 2：criticize strongly (attack)
attack
/əˈtæk/
n./v.
To strongly criticize someone or something in speech or writing.
criticize strongly
➕
/ˈkrɪtɪsaɪz ˈstrɒŋli/
n./v.
To express severe disapproval or harsh judgment towards someone or something verbally or in writing.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The newspaper editorial fiercely attacked the government's new policy for being unfair to small businesses.
The newspaper editorial fiercely criticized the government's new policy for being unfair to small businesses.
🔗 Collocations
verbal attack – harsh criticism expressed through spoken words
come under attack – to be subjected to severe criticism
attack an argument – to challenge or criticize the logic of a point of view
🔄 Synonyms
Meaning 3：sudden bout of illness (attack)
attack
/əˈtæk/
n./v.
A sudden, short period of illness, especially of a serious condition like a heart problem or asthma.
sudden bout of illness
➕
/ˈsʌdn baʊt ɒv ˈɪlnəs/
n./v.
A sudden and often severe episode or occurrence of a specific illness or medical condition.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He had to be rushed to the hospital after suffering a severe asthma attack during his morning run.
He had to be rushed to the hospital after suffering a severe sudden bout of asthma during his morning run.
🔗 Collocations
heart attack – a sudden and sometimes fatal medical emergency where blood flow to the heart is blocked
panic attack – a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety with physical symptoms
suffer an attack – to experience a sudden episode of a specific illness
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
remission (n.) – A period when a chronic illness is less severe or disappears.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser