attack

Definitions

1. noun

   An attempt to hurt or defeat an enemy.

   Examples

   • The village suffered a surprise attack at dawn.
   • Shark attacks are rare.
2. noun

   A move or power a game character uses to hurt an opponent.

   Examples

   • You click on your target and choose your attack.
   • The monster has a charge attack and a jump attack.
3. noun

   Strong criticism of a person, idea or group.

   Examples

   • They said the ban was an attack on free speech.
   • The speech was an attack on the mayor.
4. noun

   The time or part of a battle when one side advances.

   Examples

   • The army timed their attack for the local celebrations.
   • The general ordered the attack to begin at first light.
5. noun

   The start of work on a big task.

   Examples

   • I made an attack on the laundry after dinner.
   • She made an attack on her pile of emails.
6. noun

   An attempt to break into a computer system.

   Examples

   • The site was down due to a denial-of-service attack.
   • Hackers launched an attack on the bank.
7. noun

   The bowlers of a cricket team as a group.

   Examples

   • The bowlers of a team make up its attack.
   • The team's attack looked sharp with two fast bowlers back.
8. noun

   In volleyball, a hit that sends the ball over the net.

   Examples

   • Her attack sent the ball just over the net for a point.
   • The team's attack was almost unstoppable in the third set.
   ≈hit≈spike
9. noun

   In lacrosse, the players who try to score.

   Examples

   • The coach changed the attack before the second half.
   • Their attack scored three goals in the first quarter.
10. noun

    A sudden start of an illness.

    Examples

    • I've had an attack of the flu.
    • He suffered an attack of gout last winter.