attack

attack

noun

Definition of ATTACK

1

the act or action of setting upon with force or violence <The USS Constitution was nicknamed “Old Ironsides” after its oaken hull successfully withstood a British attack>

Synonyms aggression, assault, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main, descent, offense (or offence), offensive, onset, onslaught, raid, rush, strike

Related Words ambuscade, ambush; counteraggression, counterassault, counterattack, counteroffensive, counterstrike; sally, sortie; envelopment, flanking; breakthrough, foray, incursion, invasion; pillage, ravage, sack; air raid, bombardment, bombing; siege, storm; barrage, cannonade, fusillade, hail, salvo, volley; whammy

Near Antonyms defense, defensive, guard, shield; opposition, resistance; protection, security, shelter

2

a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder <malaria is characterized by periodic attacks of chills and fever>

Synonyms access, bout, case, fit, seizure, siege, spell, turn

Related Words recurrence, relapse; brainstorm, convulsion, eclampsia, pang, paroxysm, spasm, throe; agitation, frenzy; breakdown, collapse, prostration

Near Antonyms arrest, relief, remission