pounce on or upon

to take sudden, violent action against the muggers pounced on the unsuspecting tourists as soon as they rounded the corner Synonyms assail, assault, beset, bushwhack, charge, descend (on or upon), go in (on), jump (on), attack (on or upon), raid, rush, set on, sic (also sick), storm, strike, trash, turn (on)Related Words bum-rush, gang up (on), mob, swarm; mug, rob; ambuscade, ambush, surprise (also surprize), waylay; blitz, bomb, bombard, nuke; barrage, cannon, cannonade; bang away (at), batter, buffet, plaster; beleaguer, besiege, press; harry, loot, pillage, plunder, ravage, sack; foray, invade, overrun; envelop, flankNear Antonyms cover, defend, guard, protect, secure, shield