attack, assail, assault, bombard, storm mean to make an onslaught upon. attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

What is a basic definition of attack? Attack means to attempt to inflict harm with physical violence, to attempt to inflict harm with words, or to initiate a military offensive against another.

Enemy forces have made an attack on the city. These bomb blasts suggest that the terrorists are (going) on the attack (= trying to defeat or hurt other people) again. The town was once again under attack …

Attack applies especially to hostile verbal criticism: reviews that attacked the film for its senseless violence; attacked the ruling as detrimental to business interests.

When you attack, you charge or advance violently. It's scary to watch a big dog attack a smaller dog.

Jan 14, 2026 · Noun attack (plural attacks) An attempt to cause damage, injury to, or death of an opponent or enemy.

If you attack a person, belief, idea, or act, you criticize them strongly. He publicly attacked the people who've been calling for secret ballot nominations.

ATTACK meaning: 1 : to act violently against (someone or something) to try to hurt, injure, or destroy (something or someone) often used as (be) attacked; 2 : to criticize (someone or something) in a …

Some common synonyms of attack are assail, assault, bombard, and storm. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

ATTACK meaning: 1. a violent act intended to hurt or damage someone or something: 2. a strong criticism of someone…. Learn more.